Movie: Gifted

Gifted:  a family drama.  At the beginning of the film, we are introduced to Mary Adler (McKenna Grace), a seven year old living with Frank (Chris Evans), her uncle, in Tampa.  As the story unfolds, we learn that Mary’s mother, a math genius, committed suicide and left instructions that her brother, Frank, was to raise Mary.  At the time of Mary’s suicide, Frank was a college professor; his current profession is boat repairman.  We only know Mary’s mother through photographs and comments by Frank and others.  Her biological father makes a single brief appearance more than halfway through this 101 minute film.  We learn that Mary has been home schooled by Frank, but now, over her objections, is to start attending public school.  It is during the public school sequence that we learn Mary has inherited her mother’s gift for mathematics.  Her teacher (Jenny Slate) and the school’s principal recognize Mary’s brilliance  and recommend to Frank that Mary attend an elite private school.   When Frank says no the principal contacts Mary’s maternal grandmother (Lindsay Duncan), who also happens to have the math genius gene.  The tone of the film changes dramatically once the grandmother comes on board.  Appearing at various times throughout the movie is Frank’s neighbor (Octavia Spencer).  The neighbor might be Frank’s landlord but, at a minimum, she is the property manager for the bungalow complex where Frank and Mary reside.  Octavia Spencer’s character is underutilized in this film and seeing more of Octavia and her character would have resulted in a better film.  The chemistry between Mary’s teacher and Frank does not come across as realistic.  All the actors, however, rise above Tom Flynn’s script.  This film may be Evans’ best performance.  The director, Marc Webb, presents a very enjoyable family drama.  The primary key to the success of this film is the performance of McKenna Grace as Mary and her interactions with Frank.  I also liked their one eye cat.  The grandmother character is too one dimensional.  Nevertheless, this is a pleasurable film with an excellent cast.