Release: 2017-04-07
Runtime: 1h 41m (101 minutes)
Frank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.
Watch this on:
Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Drama, Comedy
Cast: Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Julie Ann Emery, more
Chris Evans
as Frank Adler
Mckenna Grace
as Mary Adler
Julie Ann Emery
as Pat Golding
Octavia Spencer
as Roberta Taylor
Lindsay Duncan
as Evelyn Adler
Jenny Slate
as Bonnie Stevenson
Danielle Deadwyler
as Animal Shelter Worker
Elizabeth Marvel
as Gloria Davis
Kelly Collins Lintz
as Claire Larsen
Keir O'Donnell
as Bradley Pollard
John M. Jackson
as Judge Edward Nichols
Jon Sklaroff
as Seymore Shankland
Frank, a single man raising his child prodigy niece Mary, is drawn into a custody battle with his mother.
Gifted is a 2017 American drama film directed by Marc Webb and written by Tom Flynn. The movie features a talented cast including Chris Evans, Mckenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Jenny Slate, and Octavia Spencer.
The story revolves around a seven-year-old girl named Mary Adler, who is exceptionally gifted in mathematics. After her mother passes away, Mary lives with her uncle Frank, played by Chris Evans, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Frank, who is also a former philosophy professor, believes in giving Mary a normal childhood, despite her incredible talents.
On Mary's first day of first grade, her exceptional math skills catch the attention of her teacher, Bonnie Stevenson. As Bonnie investigates further, it becomes clear that Mary’s mother was a prominent mathematician who struggled with her own gifts before committing suicide. This revelation leads to a custody battle between Frank and Mary’s grandmother, Evelyn, who insists Mary should be trained to use her talents for the greater good.
The conflict intensifies when Evelyn, a former mathematician herself, challenges Frank’s decision to keep Mary in a regular school. Frank believes his sister would want Mary to have a childhood that he didn't get to experience. As the custody case unfolds, the past of Mary’s mother is revealed, including Evelyn's controlling behavior when raising her own daughter.
The film was released on 7 April 2017 by Fox Searchlight Pictures and performed well at the box office, grossing approximately $43 million worldwide against its $7 million budget. It received generally positive reviews, particularly for the performances of Evans and Grace, although many critics pointed out the film’s somewhat predictable plot.
In the end, after a series of emotional court scenes, Frank and Evelyn reach a resolution that sees Mary returned to her uncle's care. The film beautifully balances themes of family, responsibility, and the challenges of raising a gifted child. Frank's character evolves from a protective uncle to a loving guardian who acknowledges Mary’s exceptional abilities while allowing her the chance to experience childhood.
Key Cast Include:
Overall, Gifted presents a heartfelt story about family dynamics and the impact of nurturing a child's talents in a balanced way. The film resonates with audiences, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in touching family dramas.
