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The Gift

Starring: Cate Blanchett
Director: Sam Raimi
Genre: Thriller
Year: 2000
Rating: 4 / 5

Director Sam Raimi has built up something of a devoted following over the years, beginning with his Evil Dead series roughly two decades ago. Too many of his movies, offerings like Darkman and Army of Darkness, are written off as little more than cult films, though, hampering Raimi's reputation. Nevertheless, with the late 1990s having faded into the new millenium, Raimi's talent can no longer be denied. The Gift is yet another fine thriller from this master of suspense. Blessed with an all-star cast, Raimi unveils a simple small town murder that is not so simple, complete with a touch of the supernatural.

Annie Wilson (Cate Blanchett), widowed mother of three, is a fortune teller in a quiet Southern town. Carrying on what she believes to be a family tradition, Annie supports her family with a small Social Security check and her readings. In one of those communities where everyone knows everyone else, Annie is jointly viewed with skepticism and awe. She handles cases of domestic violence, as in the case of Valerie Barksdale (Hilary Swank) and her abusive husband Donnie (Keanu Reeves). She also dabbles in situations of repressed memories, as with slow-witted mechanic Buddy Cole (Giovanni Ribisi). Throughout it all, Annie makes sure to provide honest readings without getting directly involved.

Annie's boundaries remain intact until town socialite Jessica King (Katie Holmes) disappears. Local authorities, along with Jessica's fiance Wayne Collins (Greg Kinnear), are unable to turn up any clues, and Jessica's father is willing to try anything. Might Annie's "gift" allow her to unravel this mystery? Although she does not have the ability to "see," per se, Annie is able to break down her dreams and visions into some semblance of clues. Soon, she is pointing the authorities to a run-down swamp, and a suspect is put on trial. But is the right individual on trial for this crime? And, more importantly, is Annie willing to do what is necessary to ensure that the mystery is truly solved?

Director Sam Raimi should be praised for producing such a gripping thriller, but his work would have been impossible without the collection of actors he assembled. Cate Blanchett is the moral center of the film, grounding a script that touches on the paranormal. The best performance, however, may belong to Keanu Reeves, as he brings life to the virtually unredeemable Donnie Barksdale. Kudos to the much-maligned actor for having the guts to take on such a sinister role and investing himself in it. Giovanni Ribisi also shines as a conflicted young man whose only hope is to understand his personal demons. These stars sparkle, helping to make The Gift a must-see for any film fan seeking a good thrill.

Cast:

Certification: Rated R for violence and sexual situations.
Running Time: 111 minutes.

Additional Info: Internet Movie Database
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