Gifted: A Heartwarming, If Predictable, Family Drama
“Gifted” presents a touching, albeit straightforward, family story about a man fighting for his exceptionally gifted niece’s right to a normal childhood.
The film centers on young Mary (Mckenna Grace), a seven-year-old with a mathematical prowess that rivals university professors. Her mother possessed the same gift, but it led to a life of unhappiness and isolation, culminating in her suicide shortly after Mary’s birth. Determined to prevent history from repeating itself, Mary’s uncle and guardian, Frank (Chris Evans), strives to provide her with a normal childhood, free from the pressures of being a prodigy. He moves them to a small town, enrolls her in a regular school, and discourages her obsession with formulas. However, his efforts are met with fierce opposition from Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), Mary’s grandmother and Frank’s mother. Driven by her own scientific ambitions, Evelyn seeks custody of Mary, intending to raise her in the same manner she raised her daughter.
The Question of Nurturing Gifted Children
The question of how to nurture uniquely gifted children is a complex and fascinating one, filled with nuances. However, “Gifted” largely sidesteps this discussion. From the outset, director Marc Webb (“500 Days of Summer,” “The Amazing Spider-Man”) firmly aligns the film with Frank’s perspective. Evelyn is portrayed as a selfish and sociopathic figure, so estranged from her son and granddaughter that she speaks with a British accent while they communicate in American English. It’s clear that Evelyn, a former mathematician who never achieved great success, seeks to exploit her granddaughter’s talent for her own glory, seemingly unconcerned about Mary potentially following her mother’s tragic path.
Fun Fact: Actress Lindsay Duncan voiced the protocol droid TC-14 in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.”
In contrast, Frank, while not a perfect guardian, has sacrificed much for Mary’s well-being. Almost everything he does is for her benefit, making it clear that he should be her sole caregiver. However, what is evident to the audience is not so clear to the court, as Evelyn possesses significantly more financial resources than Frank. Thus, the core of “Gifted” revolves not around the complexities of raising a gifted child, but rather around Frank’s ability to stand up for what is right and overcome his overbearing mother. Set in the conservative state of Florida, where the elderly and wealthy often hold sway, Evelyn possesses a significant advantage that proves difficult to overcome.
It’s disappointing that a director who began with such a psychologically intricate film as “500 Days of Summer” has now delivered a simplistic, black-and-white narrative with a clear hero and an obvious villain, especially when “Gifted” begs for ideological ambiguity. It seems that Webb’s experience with “The Amazing Spider-Man” did not serve him well.
Off-screen Romance: During filming, Chris Evans and Jenny Slate, who played lovers in the film, began a real-life romance. They separated a year after filming wrapped.
The Power of Predictability
On the other hand, the straightforwardness of “Gifted” amplifies its dramatic impact, as viewers are less focused on debating the best way to raise the girl and more invested in rooting for Frank and Mary. They are presented as so endearing in almost every scene that the “aww” factor is off the charts. While Frank has his moments of gray, he is surprisingly well-adjusted for Evelyn’s son, leaving little room for criticism. Even his morally questionable relationship with Mary’s teacher (Jenny Slate) primarily serves to highlight that Frank is a normal man with normal needs and that he is most attracted to a woman who shows genuine interest in his girl. Not every single father can say the same.
While it hardly needs to be said, Chris Evans’s charm is undeniable, and he once again delivers an endearing performance. However, the talent of young Mckenna Grace cannot be overlooked. Her role is more complex than simply “showing up and making faces,” and she excels at it. She is far more convincing as a genius than Jessica Alba in “Fantastic Four,” yet her on-screen giftedness does not overshadow her typical childhood traits, preventing Mary from seeming like an implausible little adult or a calculating robot. It’s no wonder Grace already has an impressive filmography. She’s the kind of girl you want to keep casting! Together with Evans, she is the main asset of this naive and simplistic film.