Captain America himself, Chris Evans, sheds the mask and shield for worn-out t-shirts and jeans in Gifted, an emotionally manipulative drama that I happily welcome with open arms. Frank Adler (Evans) is a single guy living an uneventful life fixing boats down in Florida, and he’s not bothered by that one bit. However, he’s not a man without responsibility. His feisty young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) has been with him since her mother, Frank’s sister if you’re keeping track, took her own life.
Mary is a special kid. When it comes to mathematics, she’s a child prodigy, and Frank casually downplays it to Mary’s new teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate). She is a kind-spirited, supportive teacher who believes Mary deserves better. And, who can blame her for having the hots for her uncle? Nonetheless, Bonnie’s recommendation to the principal starts the crack in Frank and Mary’s fragile foundation. That kind of brainpower can’t be hidden for long.
Frank only wants his niece to have a regular childhood, to go act her own age by wanting to go outside and play and make friends. Mary ain’t got time for that. Franks’ mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) has different plans for her granddaughter. Mary is her second chance at discovering breakthroughs in the world, something Evelyn failed at with her own daughter. Duncan is unfairly painted as a self-absorbed bitch in the movie, but she has layers to her. Peel them away and you’ll find pain that hasn’t been dealt with, something that everyone is guilty of.
The unavoidable family squabble over who’s a better fit to raise this precious math wiz turns Gifted fairly predictable. Director Marc Webb deep down probably knows this, which is why he puts all of his effort in to the characters. Their insecurities and mistakes are there for the world to see and judge, but compassion is interjected to ease their doubts.
No need for superpowers, Evans is calm and cool. But, he is scared shitless of the decisions he’s making, always leaving open the possibility of unintentionally ruining Mary’s life. No pressure. Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary’s landlord and only friend. She’s the closest to a mother Mary has and Roberta is protective, taking the role very seriously. Any time you can get Spencer involved, you’ll get your money’s worth.
Gifted may not be blessed with exceptional material, but Webb is blessed with the exceptional talent of Grace. She’s a resounding presence, supplying a small story in a big way with impassioned moments. Even if you know how how this movie goes, don’t let it perturb you from falling for its characters’ devotion for one another. There’s no substitute for humanity’s adoration. It speaks volumes.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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