Gifted: A Movie About A Child Genius And The Struggles
Gifted is a 2017 American drama film directed by Marc Webb and written by Tom Flynn. It tells the story of Frank Adler, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary in a coastal town in Florida. Frank's plans for Mary to have a normal school life are foiled when the 7-year-old's mathematical abilities come to the attention of his formidable mother, Evelyn, who has other plans for the girl. Let's dive deep into what makes this movie so captivating.
Storyline and Premise
The storyline of Gifted revolves around Mary Adler, a seven-year-old girl who possesses extraordinary mathematical abilities. Her uncle, Frank Adler, is her guardian and is determined to provide her with a normal life, away from the pressures and expectations that come with being a child prodigy. They live a simple life in a small town, where Mary attends a regular school, makes friends, and enjoys being a kid. However, Mary’s intellectual gifts cannot stay hidden for long. Her teacher, Bonnie Stevenson, quickly recognizes her potential and brings it to the attention of the school administration. This sets off a chain of events that challenges Frank's guardianship and Mary's future.
Frank’s primary goal is to ensure Mary has a balanced and happy childhood, something he believes she wouldn’t get if she were placed in a specialized institution for gifted children. He wants her to experience the joys of childhood, such as making friends, playing, and learning at her own pace. This philosophy clashes with that of his mother, Evelyn, who is a renowned mathematician herself and believes that Mary should be nurtured to reach her full intellectual potential, even if it means sacrificing a normal childhood. The conflict between Frank and Evelyn forms the crux of the narrative, raising questions about what is truly best for a gifted child – a normal life or the pursuit of exceptional achievement.
The film explores the challenges and responsibilities that come with raising a child prodigy. It delves into the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by Frank as he tries to protect Mary from the pressures of the outside world while also recognizing and supporting her unique abilities. The storyline is filled with heartwarming moments, as well as tense courtroom scenes, making it a compelling watch. The characters are well-developed, and the audience is drawn into their struggles and aspirations, making it easy to empathize with their respective viewpoints.
Character Analysis
Gifted features a cast of characters, each contributing uniquely to the storyline's depth and emotional resonance. Let's take a closer look at the main players:
Frank Adler
Frank Adler, portrayed by Chris Evans, is the heart of the movie. As Mary's uncle and guardian, Frank is dedicated to giving her a normal, happy childhood. He is intelligent and capable but has deliberately chosen a simple life to care for Mary. Frank’s character is driven by his love for Mary and his desire to protect her from the pressures that come with being a child prodigy. He values her emotional well-being above all else, which often puts him at odds with his mother, Evelyn.
Frank's backstory reveals that he was once a promising philosopher, but he gave up his academic pursuits to care for Mary after her mother's death. This sacrifice underscores his selflessness and commitment to Mary's well-being. He is fiercely protective of her, often acting as a buffer between her and the outside world. Frank’s character is relatable because he embodies the universal desire to protect loved ones and make decisions that prioritize their happiness.
Mary Adler
Mary Adler, played by Mckenna Grace, is the gifted child at the center of the story. Despite her extraordinary mathematical abilities, Mary is still a child who craves friendship, play, and the simple joys of childhood. Mckenna Grace delivers a brilliant performance, capturing Mary’s intelligence and vulnerability. Mary is precocious and articulate, but she also has moments of childlike innocence and confusion, making her character both endearing and believable.
Mary's character is complex because she is torn between her intellectual gifts and her desire for a normal life. She loves learning and solving complex problems, but she also wants to fit in with her peers and have friends. This internal conflict is a key aspect of her character arc and adds depth to the storyline. Mary's interactions with Frank are particularly touching, highlighting the strong bond between them and the importance of their relationship in her life.
Evelyn Adler
Evelyn Adler, portrayed by Lindsay Duncan, is Frank's mother and Mary's grandmother. She is a brilliant mathematician who wants Mary to fulfill her potential and pursue advanced studies. Evelyn's character is driven by her belief that Mary has a unique gift that should be nurtured and developed, even if it means sacrificing a normal childhood. Evelyn is a formidable and determined woman who is not afraid to challenge Frank's decisions regarding Mary's upbringing.
Evelyn's motivations are rooted in her own experiences and beliefs about the importance of intellectual achievement. She sees Mary as an opportunity to continue the work of her late daughter, who was also a gifted mathematician. However, her single-minded focus on Mary's intellectual development blinds her to the child's emotional needs. Evelyn's character is complex and not entirely unsympathetic, as she genuinely believes she is acting in Mary's best interest. However, her methods and her disregard for Frank's wishes create conflict and tension throughout the film.
Bonnie Stevenson
Bonnie Stevenson, played by Jenny Slate, is Mary's teacher and Frank's love interest. She is a caring and compassionate woman who recognizes Mary's potential and becomes an ally to Frank. Bonnie is a supportive figure in Mary's life, providing her with encouragement and guidance. She also serves as a voice of reason in the conflict between Frank and Evelyn, offering a balanced perspective on Mary's needs.
Bonnie's character adds a romantic element to the storyline, but her role is much more than just a love interest. She is a strong and independent woman who is passionate about education and dedicated to her students. Bonnie's presence in the film highlights the importance of supportive relationships in a child's life and the positive impact that teachers can have on their students.
Themes Explored
Gifted intricately weaves together several profound themes, prompting viewers to reflect on complex issues related to education, family, and personal fulfillment.
The Definition of "Normal"
At its core, Gifted challenges our understanding of what constitutes a "normal" childhood. Through Mary's experiences, the film raises questions about whether it is more important for a child to fit in with their peers or to pursue their unique talents, even if it means standing out. Frank firmly believes that Mary deserves a normal life, filled with ordinary experiences and relationships. He fears that placing her in a specialized environment will isolate her and rob her of the joys of childhood. This perspective contrasts sharply with Evelyn's belief that Mary's extraordinary abilities should be nurtured at all costs, regardless of the impact on her social life.
The film encourages viewers to consider what "normal" truly means and whether it is always the best path for every child. It suggests that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to raising children and that each child's individual needs and desires should be taken into account. Ultimately, Gifted argues that a balanced approach, which combines intellectual stimulation with emotional support and social interaction, is essential for a child's overall well-being.
Nature vs. Nurture
The age-old debate of nature versus nurture is a central theme in Gifted. Mary's exceptional mathematical abilities raise questions about whether her talent is primarily due to her genetic inheritance or the environment in which she is raised. Evelyn believes that Mary's gifts are a direct result of her family's history of mathematical genius and that it is her duty to nurture this innate potential. Frank, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of providing Mary with a supportive and loving environment that allows her to develop at her own pace.
Gifted suggests that both nature and nurture play a significant role in shaping a child's development. While Mary may have inherited her mathematical abilities, her upbringing and the relationships she forms are crucial in determining how she will use those abilities. The film implies that a combination of innate talent and a supportive environment is the key to unlocking a child's full potential.
Family Dynamics
The dynamics within the Adler family are a crucial aspect of Gifted. The strained relationship between Frank and Evelyn is a major source of conflict in the film, highlighting the challenges that can arise when family members have different ideas about what is best for a child. Frank's protectiveness of Mary stems from his desire to shield her from the pressures and expectations that his sister faced as a gifted mathematician. Evelyn, in contrast, sees Mary as a second chance to fulfill her daughter's potential, even if it means pushing her beyond her comfort zone.
Gifted explores the complexities of family relationships and the ways in which past experiences can shape our attitudes and beliefs. It suggests that communication, understanding, and compromise are essential for resolving conflicts and building strong family bonds. The film also highlights the importance of putting a child's needs first, even when it requires making difficult decisions.
Critical Reception
Gifted received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised the performances of the cast, particularly Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace. The film's emotional depth and heartwarming storyline were also commended. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 71% based on 194 reviews, with an average rating of 6.3/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "Gifted isn't especially subtle, but it's lifted by strong performances from Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace – and elevated by its sincere, unblushingly sentimental tone."
Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating to reviews, gives the film a score of 60 out of 100, based on 33 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews." Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "A" on an A+ to F scale, indicating a strong positive reaction from viewers.
Praise and Criticism
Critics lauded Chris Evans' performance as Frank Adler, noting that he effectively portrayed the character's warmth, intelligence, and protectiveness. Mckenna Grace's portrayal of Mary Adler was also widely praised, with many critics highlighting her ability to capture the character's intelligence and vulnerability. The chemistry between Evans and Grace was a highlight for many viewers, adding to the film's emotional impact.
Some critics, however, found the storyline to be predictable and clichéd, noting that it relied on familiar tropes of the "gifted child" genre. Others criticized the film's sentimental tone, arguing that it occasionally veered into melodrama. Despite these criticisms, most reviewers agreed that Gifted was a well-made and engaging film that offered a thoughtful exploration of complex themes.
Why You Should Watch It
Gifted is a compelling and heartwarming film that offers a thought-provoking exploration of complex themes. Here are a few reasons why you should consider watching it:
Strong Performances
The cast of Gifted delivers exceptional performances, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. Chris Evans shines as Frank Adler, demonstrating his range as an actor beyond his role as Captain America. Mckenna Grace is equally impressive as Mary Adler, capturing the character's intelligence and vulnerability with remarkable skill. The supporting cast, including Lindsay Duncan and Jenny Slate, also delivers strong performances, adding to the film's overall quality.
Thought-Provoking Themes
Gifted explores several thought-provoking themes, including the definition of "normal," the debate of nature versus nurture, and the complexities of family dynamics. The film raises important questions about education, parenting, and personal fulfillment, prompting viewers to reflect on their own values and beliefs.
Emotional Impact
Gifted is an emotionally resonant film that is sure to tug at your heartstrings. The storyline is filled with heartwarming moments, as well as moments of tension and conflict, making it a captivating watch from beginning to end. The film's exploration of the relationship between Frank and Mary is particularly touching, highlighting the importance of love, support, and understanding in a child's life.
Engaging Storyline
Gifted features an engaging storyline that keeps viewers invested from start to finish. The film's pacing is well-managed, and the plot unfolds in a way that is both suspenseful and satisfying. The characters are well-developed, and the audience is drawn into their struggles and aspirations, making it easy to empathize with their respective viewpoints.
In conclusion, Gifted is a movie that is definitely worth watching. Whether you're interested in the challenges of raising a gifted child, the complexities of family relationships, or simply a heartwarming story, this movie has something to offer. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be moved by this beautiful and thought-provoking film.