Directed by Marc Webb, the 2017 film Gifted presents a seemingly straightforward story: a young man, Frank Adler (Chris Evans), battles for custody of his niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace), a child prodigy, against his mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), who wants to nurture Mary’s mathematical genius. However, to dismiss Gifted as having a “simple plot” would be a disservice to its nuanced exploration of family dynamics, personal aspirations, and societal expectations.
Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace in Gifted 2017 film
Beneath the surface custody battle, Gifted delves into the complexities of living vicariously through children and the long-standing struggle women face to gain recognition in STEM fields. Evelyn’s fervent desire for Mary to follow in her deceased daughter’s footsteps, a brilliant mathematician, highlights the pressure and expectations placed upon gifted individuals. This isn’t merely about a child’s extraordinary talent; it’s about the adults around her and their conflicting visions for her future.
The screenplay, while predominantly focused on Frank, subtly shifts the narrative towards the women in his life: Mary and Evelyn. Frank, portrayed by Chris Evans, embodies the archetype of the perfect, albeit slightly too perfect, single father – hardworking, intelligent, empathetic, and morally upright. Evans delivers a stoic performance, yet at times his portrayal can feel somewhat wooden, lacking the emotional depth needed for certain scenes. The addition of a romantic interest, Mary’s teacher Bonnie Stevenson (Jenny Slate), feels somewhat obligatory, perhaps contributing to the film’s PG-13 rating, a decision that arguably limits its potential wider family audience.
Gifted 2017 film cast featuring Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Jenny Slate and Octavia Spencer
Despite Evans’s occasionally underwhelming performance, the supporting cast shines brightly. Mckenna Grace as Mary is captivating, convincingly portraying both the brilliance and vulnerability of a child prodigy. Jenny Slate offers a warm and relatable portrayal of a caring teacher, while Octavia Spencer, as the Adler’s neighbor Roberta Taylor, provides her usual dependable and strong performance. Lindsay Duncan truly stands out as Evelyn, skillfully embodying the complex motivations of a grandmother driven by both love and ambition. Duncan’s portrayal adds layers to the narrative, making Evelyn more than just a stereotypical antagonist.
Jenny Slate and Chris Evans in a scene from Gifted 2017 movie
One of the more contentious aspects of Gifted lies in its racial undertones. Roberta Taylor, played by Octavia Spencer, unfortunately falls into the outdated “mammy trope,” a recurring stereotype that is both tired and problematic. A particular line where Roberta criticizes Frank for hiring a Black lawyer feels jarring and racially insensitive, highlighting a misstep in the film’s otherwise progressive intentions. This moment, while intended as comedic relief for some viewers, reveals a lack of nuanced understanding of racial dynamics.
Nevertheless, Gifted remains a visually appealing film, with moments of beautiful cinematography. A scene where Mary questions Frank about God during sunset, depicted in silhouette, showcases the film’s aesthetic strengths. Overall, Gifted is a worthwhile watch due to its compelling performances, particularly from the female cast members, and its exploration of complex family themes. While not without its flaws, including a somewhat predictable plot progression and occasional tonal missteps, Gifted offers more than just a simple story for those willing to look deeper.
