Every once in a while, a film comes along that sparks immediate interest. For many, Gifted was one of those movies. Anticipation buzzed around this heartwarming story, and it lived up to the hype, especially thanks to its incredible ensemble. This film, directed by Marc Webb – known for (500) Days of Summer and his stint with the Spider-Man franchise – marked his return to poignant, character-driven storytelling with Gifted. At its core, Gifted tells the story of Mary Adler (McKenna Grace), a bright and spirited young girl being raised by her uncle, Frank Adler (Chris Evans), with the unwavering support of their neighbor, Roberta Taylor (Octavia Spencer). The strength of Gifted lies not only in its narrative but profoundly in the performances delivered by its stellar cast.
Gifted – Chris Evans
Unveiling the Talented Actors Behind ‘Gifted’
The movie gently introduces us to Mary on a pivotal day – her first day of school. For Frank, sending Mary to school is a significant step. Despite her age suggesting she should be in second or third grade, Frank has consciously kept his niece out of the traditional school system, aware of her exceptional nature. It quickly becomes apparent why. Mary isn’t just bright; she’s exceptionally gifted.
When Mary’s teacher, Bonnie Stevenson (Jenny Slate), discovers her new student effortlessly solving complex math problems far beyond elementary school level – problems that would challenge even college graduates – she recognizes Mary’s extraordinary gift. What Bonnie doesn’t yet realize is that Mary’s aptitude for mathematics is deeply rooted in her family history, particularly through her mother, who comes from a lineage of brilliant mathematicians. This revelation sets the stage for the central conflict of the film.
Gifted the Movie Jenny Slate and McKenna GraceJenny Slate as “Bonnie” and Mckenna Grace as “Mary” in the film GIFTED. Photo by Wilson Webb. © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved.
As Frank strives to provide Mary with a normal childhood, his mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), steps in, driven by a desire for Mary to attend elite institutions and live a life of privilege, fully harnessing her mathematical genius. This clash of visions ignites an emotional custody battle, pulling the characters into a complex legal and personal struggle.
Gifted resonates deeply because it masterfully balances humor with poignant moments, creating an emotionally rich cinematic experience. Webb’s direction ensures the film tugs at your heartstrings, reminiscent of his earlier, more intimate works. The strength of the movie is amplified by the remarkable cast he assembled. The opportunity to attend the press day in Beverly Hills and hear Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Jenny Slate, and Octavia Spencer discuss their roles and experiences was highly anticipated after viewing the film.
Gifted the Movie Octavia Spencer – McKenna Grace – Chris Evans(From L-R): Octavia Spencer as Roberta Taylor, McKenna Grace as Mary Adler and Chris Evans as Frank Adler in the film GIFTED.Photo by Wilson Webb. © 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved
Cast Reflections: On Set Chemistry and Character Connection
“This was genuinely one of the best filming experiences I’ve ever had,” Chris Evans shared, known globally for his role as Captain America. He fondly recalled the audition process for Mary, stating, “We knew we had struck gold with McKenna. Marc and I auditioned many talented young actresses, but with all due respect to everyone, it was undeniably clear after McKenna’s audition that we had found our Mary.” Echoing this sentiment, McKenna Grace added, “It was such a fantastic role to play. Mary is a deeply emotional little girl, and it was incredibly fun because I was surrounded by such wonderful people on set every day.”
Gifted – Press Junket 1
Evans further emphasized the crucial role of young Grace in the film’s success, “The reason this movie works, the reason it soars, is because of this young lady right here,” gesturing towards McKenna. Observing their rapport, it was evident that the genuine connection between McKenna and Chris translated onto the screen, contributing significantly to the film’s emotional impact. Adding to the warm atmosphere on set, Evans even organized regular game nights, fostering camaraderie among the cast and crew.
Octavia Spencer and Jenny Slate fondly reminisced about these off-screen moments. “Chris is a huge game night enthusiast,” Spencer laughed, with Slate adding, “It was really great, although the games had to be a bit different when McKenna was involved!” The lighthearted banter highlighted the close-knit environment cultivated during filming in Georgia. When asked about what drew them to their respective roles, Jenny Slate, often recognized for her comedic roles in Parks and Recreation and Girls, shared a more personal perspective.
Gifted – Press Junket 2
“This role held deep meaning for me,” Slate explained. “It was a valuable reminder that I can embrace stillness and subtlety in my performances. On a personal level, as an adult, I’ve often felt a bit like I’m still figuring things out, especially given that acting was a childhood dream.”
Octavia Spencer elaborated on her role selection process, “I don’t choose roles based on size. I was captivated by this beautiful narrative of an unconventional family rallying around a brilliant little girl and the conflict arising between family members on how best to nurture her. This is a dilemma many families face. I hope Gifted encourages families in similar situations to consider the child’s perspective.”
Finally, no discussion about the Gifted cast is complete without mentioning Fred, Mary’s one-eyed cat. Though Fred couldn’t attend the press day, representatives from Best Friends LA, an animal adoption organization, were present, adding another layer of warmth to the event. Fred, the feline star, is guaranteed to win over audiences, just as he charmed everyone involved in the film.
Gifted the Movie – Best Friends Animal SocietyOne of the many cats from Best Friends I got to meet!
“Gifted” premiered in select theaters on April 7th, followed by a nationwide release on April 12th.
Gifted the Movie April 7 Poster© 2017 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation All Rights Reserved.
The compelling story and richly drawn characters of Gifted, brought to life by its exceptional cast, make it a film worth experiencing, perhaps even more than once. Discover more about Gifted on their official website HERE.
