The Gift takes viewers on a thrilling ride that stars Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall as married couple Simon and Robyn. In the beginning, viewers are introduced to a couple struggling with a miscarriage and relocating to Los Angeles from Chicago for a fresh start. However, after Simon reconnects with a high school classmate, Gordo (Joel Edgerton), things begin to get strange for the couple, with the mysterious old acquaintance wreaking havoc on the couple, though not everything is what it seems.
This 2015 psychological rollercoaster was a box office success, grossing $60 million at the box office on a small budget of just $5 million. Showcasing his wide range of talents, Edgerton not only starred in the film but also wrote and directed it. With a plotline full of twists and stunning themes of betrayal, this flick may leave viewers a bit puzzled but also willing to face the lasting scars that can linger from one’s adolescent years. Let’s examine The Gift ending explained, but we must warn you, spoilers are near.
Simon Isn’t Happy About Reconnecting With Gordo
As Simon and Robyn make plans to try and become parents again once settled in Los Angeles, this is when Gordo comes into play. Though Gordo is Simon’s old classmate, he’s not exactly pleased when the man begins popping up at their house unannounced. Gordo also does not come empty-handed, usually bringing presents such as wine and even koi fish for Simon and Robyn’s pond.
The gestures feel insincere to Simon, though his unsuspecting wife welcomes Gordo’s kindness. Gordo offers to host the couple for dinner, along with another pair. However, once Simon and Robyn arrive, they learn the other guests have canceled, leaving only them and Gordo. Once he steps out to handle a work-related matter, Simon makes his feelings known to his spouse. When his odd friend re-emerges, Simon informs him to stay clear of them as he makes his exit with Robyn. However, this demand only turns their lives upside down, with Gordo now showing his true intentions.
Simon Tries To Cover Up His Past With Gordo
After the failed dinner, Robyn finds the koi fish gifted by Gordo are all dead. Additionally, their dog has vanished. With Simon going to confront Gordo, Robyn now grows paranoid, believing that someone is in their home. She hears faint footsteps and faucets being turned on mysteriously. Having secretly struggled with a pill addiction in her past, Robyn resorts to stealing prescription pills from her neighbor to cope with her anxiety. In a bit of happy news, the couple’s dog returns, and at the same time, Robyn discovers a note from Gordo, apologizing to her and suggesting that he was once willing to get over something Simon did, though not anymore.
While Simon convinces his worried wife that he is unaware of what Gordo is referring to, he is more preoccupied with getting a promotion at work, though a co-worker named Danny stands in his way. However, his focus will be returned to his home life when Robin faints due to stress. She must then come clean about her addiction before learning she’s pregnant. During this blissful time, Robyn learns the truth about Simon and Gordo’s relationship. Her husband had lied about Gordo being molested while they were in school. This led Gordo’s extremist father to believe he was attracted to men and tried to kill his son. After being arrested, Gordo was sent to military school followed by life hardship. When Robyn confronts Simon about his past as Gordo’s bully, he initially denies the allegations. It becomes evident that Gordo is after revenge.
How Does ‘The Gift’ End?
Robyn, determined to make things right, urges Simon to apologize for drastically impacting Gordo’s life. Simon obliges but delivers a cold apology, which does not appear sincere. Gordo warns him that his quest for retribution is not over, which leads to Simon attacking the man. Despite the hostile confrontation, Simon maintains that Gordo accepted his apology and was grateful to receive it. The couple also honors Simon for earning the promotion with a party, though the fun is short-lived. During the party, Danny slams Simon for damaging his career in order to advance in his own profession.
Robyn goes into labor as the drama unfolds and Simon is shockingly fired after Danny’s claims prove true. With all of the drama, Robyn announces she’d like some time apart from Simon. When Simon finally returns home, he finds an extra key to their house, a shocking gift from Gordo. Furthermore, the sinister man has left behind footage of him drugging and standing over Robyn, suggesting a sexual assault is about to occur. As Simon is faced with the disturbing video, Gordo is making his way to visit Robyn and the baby in the hospital to inform her that Simon had beaten him up. Simon dashes to catch him but misses him by minutes.
He then calls Gordo, who taunts him and refuses to disclose whether or not he is the true father of Robyn’s child. In the end, Robyn is angry with Simon for assaulting Gordo and refuses to let him see their baby. As for Gordo, he walks away satisfied that he has finally gotten the payback he always wanted on his high school bully.
