When the premise of Gifted first crossed my desk, it immediately sparked interest. A film blending humor with poignant moments, anchored by a cast of talented actors? It sounded precisely like the kind of narrative that resonates deeply. Having had the opportunity to preview Gifted, I can affirm that it not only met but exceeded expectations. This isn’t just a movie; it’s a reflection on life’s intricate tapestry, skillfully avoiding sentimentality while delivering a powerful message. Gifted beautifully illustrates that family transcends bloodlines, encompassing those we consciously choose to embrace. Woven with complex yet relatable themes, the film culminates in a genuinely moving story about the essence of love and the sacrifices we make for those we cherish.
Note: Spoilers for Gifted are discussed below. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid plot details.
Gifted centers on Frank Adler (portrayed with nuanced depth by Chris Evans), who finds himself the guardian of his niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace in a breakout performance), following the tragic death of his sister. Mary is no ordinary child; she possesses a remarkable aptitude for mathematics, bordering on genius. However, Frank is determined to provide her with a childhood grounded in normalcy – friendships, social interactions, and a conventional school environment. This vision clashes sharply with that of Frank’s estranged mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), who believes Frank is stifling Mary’s extraordinary potential. Evelyn is convinced that limiting Mary’s intellectual pursuits will lead to boredom and resentment. This fundamental disagreement escalates into a heated custody battle, fracturing familial bonds and setting mother against son.
One of the most compelling aspects of Gifted is its nuanced portrayal of its characters; it resists simplistic labels of “villain” and “hero”. Initially, Evelyn appears to fit the antagonist role. Frank’s cynical remarks and clear disdain lead us to believe his mother is driven by self-serving ambition, wanting to exploit Mary’s gift for academic prestige. We hear Frank’s cutting sarcasm as he describes Evelyn’s vision for Mary: “think tanks, to talk nontrivial zeroes with old Russian guys.” However, as the narrative unfolds, we learn Evelyn’s motivations are more complex. Discovering that Evelyn herself was a mathematical prodigy, and that her deceased daughter, Diane (Mary’s mother), also shared this exceptional gift, provides context for her perspective. While it doesn’t excuse her methods, it offers a thought-provoking layer to her character. Evelyn, in many ways, sees a reflection of Diane in Mary, and perhaps the unfulfilled potential she perceived in her deceased daughter. The film hints at Diane’s tragic end, suicide, adding further weight to Evelyn’s desire to nurture Mary’s gift, albeit in a way that Frank vehemently opposes. Evelyn’s actions, though misguided, stem from a place of deep-seated, albeit misdirected, maternal concern.
A promotional still from the movie Gifted, highlighting the close relationship between Frank and Mary.
During a pivotal court hearing, Evelyn recounts a poignant story about Diane at age 17. Diane had wished to run away with a young man, seeking a semblance of normalcy away from her isolating world of mathematical brilliance. Evelyn, fearing this would derail Diane’s potential, intervened drastically, even pressing kidnapping charges against the young man. This anecdote reveals a pattern: Evelyn’s actions, however severe, are rooted in her perception of protecting and fostering Diane’s, and now Mary’s, extraordinary gift. She inadvertently trapped Diane within the confines of her genius, prioritizing intellectual achievement above all else.
A scene from Gifted featuring Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace, capturing a tender moment between uncle and niece.
This context amplifies the impact of Frank’s later revelations. Trailers for Gifted might lead audiences to believe Frank is unequivocally virtuous. And indeed, Mary’s happiness is palpable when she’s with him. As she herself articulates, Frank cherished her before she demonstrated her genius. Frank’s guardianship of Mary was born from tragedy; his sister Diane, in a heartbreaking act, left Mary in his care before taking her own life. Diane’s life, defined by her extraordinary intellect, seemingly lacked purpose once she solved her mathematical problem. Although Diane remains unseen in the film, except in photographs, the audience feels a profound empathy for her isolation and sense of entrapment.
Frank, acutely aware of his sister’s fate, is determined to prevent a similar trajectory for Mary. He believes Diane would have wanted her daughter to experience joy, play, and the simple pleasures of childhood. This conviction, however, doesn’t make Frank infallible. His initial acquisition of Mary was, as revealed, somewhat impulsive – taking her across state lines to avoid a custody battle with Evelyn. He sought to raise her independently, with the support of his neighbor Roberta (powerfully played by Octavia Spencer), a woman of faith and unwavering kindness. Frank emerges as a complex individual. We learn he was formerly a philosophy professor, highlighting his own intellectual capacity. He understands the value of intellect but equally values a balanced, normal life. While Evelyn accuses him of wanting to suppress Mary’s gift, there’s a kernel of truth in her accusation. On Mary’s first day of school, Frank cautions her against “showing off.” Yet, Mary’s brilliance inevitably shines through as she effortlessly solves complex mathematical problems for her astonished teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate).
While Gifted allows us to understand Evelyn’s humanity, it also unflinchingly portrays Frank’s flaws. He can be stubborn, sarcastic, and at times, he does try to dim Mary’s inherent brilliance. However, his defining quality is his profound love for Mary. He is the one character consistently willing to make sacrifices for her well-being. His life is irrevocably changed by Mary, and watching Evans portray this flawed yet loving character, transformed by a child’s affection, is deeply rewarding.
The film’s narrative takes a surprising turn when a custody compromise is reached. Neither Frank nor Evelyn gains full custody. Mary is placed with a foster family, seemingly impartial, living a mere 25 minutes from Frank. Evelyn coldly asserts this is an improvement over Mary’s life with Frank. However, a twist reveals the foster arrangement is far from impartial. Evelyn is residing in the foster family’s guest house, secretly arranging tutors for Mary without Frank’s knowledge or consent. This revelation, genuinely surprising, underscores Evelyn’s manipulative tendencies and her relentless pursuit of her vision for Mary. But the film’s climax arrives when Frank presents Evelyn with Diane’s completed work on the millennium prize problem. Evelyn is incredulous – Diane had not finished it, she would have announced such a monumental achievement. Frank then unveils a long-held secret: Diane had made him promise to withhold publication until Evelyn’s death.
This revelation is a dramatic turning point. Frank explains that Evelyn now has a choice: dedicate her life to defending Diane’s groundbreaking work and securing her legacy, or relinquish the paper and allow Frank to raise Mary. Faced with this impossible dilemma, Evelyn breaks down. In a deeply moving scene, she sifts through a box of Diane’s handwritten notes, confronting the unprocessed grief over her daughter’s loss. Despite her flaws, Evelyn’s love for Diane was profound, albeit expressed in a misguided way. Diane’s mathematical legacy is the last tangible connection she has to her daughter.
Gifted may follow a somewhat predictable narrative arc – a happy ending, a burgeoning romance between Frank and Bonnie – but it’s elevated by the exceptional performances of Evans and Grace. Their on-screen chemistry is undeniable, making their pseudo-father-daughter dynamic utterly believable and deeply affecting. The film masterfully balances humor with emotionally resonant moments, eliciting collective sniffles from the audience during poignant scenes. While Chris Evans might be the initial draw for many viewers, and his performance is indeed outstanding, Mckenna Grace truly shines as the film’s star. This young actress carries every scene with remarkable poise and emotional depth, delivering both comedic timing and heartbreaking vulnerability with equal skill. One particular scene of Mary’s raw emotional outburst is guaranteed to evoke tears.
Ultimately, Gifted transcends genre expectations. It’s a profoundly heartfelt film exploring the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of family. While it might prompt tears, it leaves the audience with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the bonds that define us. And sometimes, that’s all one can ask for from a movie.
