GIFTED (2017)

Genre: Drama
Running Length: 1:41
Cast: Chris Evans, Lindsay Duncan, McKenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Jenny Slate
Director: Marc Webb
Screenplay: Tom Flynn

GIFTED explores the premise of unconventional parental upbringing very much similar to last year's Captain Fantastic. The only difference is that the former feels more grounded and emotionally more satisfying.

Frank Adler (Evans) is the guardian of 7-year old Maths prodigy Mary (Grace), his dead sister's daughter. Frank chooses to nurture Mary like any other ordinary kid so she could lead a normal life. While Frank's estranged mother believes that special attention should be given to little Mary to hone her strengths. What ensues is Frank battling his own mother in court over the custody of Mary.

What I really like about this movie is how natural the story unfolds. One can expect such a dramatic plot would manipulate its audience to be emotional and take sides, but it doesn't. Because both sides are "correct" in presenting their case, there is no right or wrong method in parenting a gifted child. As an audience, I too wanted the best for the kid but what is "the best" in such a grey issue which desperately needs closure?

What makes this movie so watchable is the authentic performances. Evans brings his charm here and is believable in his character. Throughout the course of the film, I wasn't reminded that Chris Evans = Captain America (but I suspect I would feel otherwise if Ryan Reynolds was to play this part). The rest of the supporting cast is solid. Of course, the standout here is little McKenna Grace who gives such an honest performance, especially during the quieter emotional moments - I couldn't help but tear up.

This is not a perfect film as I felt the ending was a little too convenient. But I'm not complaining as it's always nice to just watch everyday people quietly going through their joys and struggles of their daily life for a change (vs loud fast cars trying to escape a charging submarine).

RATING: 8.5/10