The Gift (2015): 8 Similar Thriller Movies You Must Not Miss

Directed by Joel Edgerton, the psychological thriller film ‘The Gift’ explores the dark repercussions of a mysterious past. The 2015 movie stars Jason Bateman as Simon, Rebecca Hall as his wife, Robyn, and Edgerton as Gordo. The storyline takes an unexpected turn when Gordo reenters Simon’s life, unveiling unsettling secrets from their shared history. As the couple grapples with the consequences, the narrative skillfully weaves suspense and psychological tension. In his directorial debut, Edgerton delivers a gripping and thought-provoking tale that challenges perceptions and confronts the consequences of past actions.

The cast’s stellar performances, particularly Edgerton’s enigmatic portrayal of Gordo, contribute to the film’s intense atmosphere. ‘The Gift’ stands out as a riveting thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats while taping into the complexities of human relationships and the haunting nature of buried secrets. If you crave more narratives brimming with suspense and interpersonal dynamics, here are 8 movies like ‘The Gift’ that you should consider checking out.

8. Single White Female (1992)

Directed by Barbet Schroeder, ‘Single White Female’ is a psychological thriller that unfolds a chilling tale of obsession and deception based on John Lutz’s novel. The film follows Allie (Bridget Fonda), who unwittingly invites her new roommate, Hedy (Jennifer Jason Leigh), into her life. As the relationship intensifies and the plot unfolds, Hedy’s fixation on Allie grows increasingly obsessive and malevolent, Much like ‘The Gift,’ ‘Single White Female’ explores the darker facets of personal relationships, delving into the consequences of misplaced trust and the dangers that arise when secrets unravel. Both films skillfully navigate psychological suspense, keeping audiences on edge as characters grapple with the unforeseen complexities of human connections and hidden motives.

7. The Invitation (2015)

Directed by Karyn Kusama, ‘The Invitation’ is a psychological thriller that masterfully weaves a tense narrative of suspicion and paranoia. The film centers on Will (Logan Marshall-Green), who attends a dinner party hosted by his ex-wife Eden (Tammy Blanchard) and her new husband. As the evening unfolds, Will becomes increasingly uneasy about the hosts’ intentions. Similar to ‘The Gift,’ ‘The Invitation’ explores the intricacies of trust and the unsettling nature of hidden agendas. Both films employ psychological tension, keeping viewers on edge as characters grapple with the complexities of human relationships and the ominous undercurrents that can disrupt seemingly ordinary gatherings.

6. The Visit (2015)

In M. Night Shyamalan’s ‘The Visit,’ Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould portray siblings who embark on a week-long visit to their grandparents‘ isolated farmhouse. As the children, they encounter increasingly disturbing behavior from their elderly hosts (Deanna Dunagan and Peter McRobbie). Tension mounts steadily throughout the film, gradually peeling back layers of intrigue and suspense to expose a web of dark family secrets. Much like ‘The Gift,’ ‘The Visit‘ plunges into the unnerving depths of trust and the eerie unpredictability of human nature. Both films skillfully navigate psychological terror, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as characters confront the unsettling truth lurking beneath seemingly ordinary encounters.

5. The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992)

In Curtis Hanson’s ‘The Hand That Rocks the Cradle,’ Rebecca De Mornay delivers a chilling performance as Peyton Flanders, a nanny with a sinister agenda. When she infiltrates the home of a family under the guise of caregiving, she sets in motion a series of events that threaten to tear their lives apart. Much like ‘The Gift,’ this psychological thriller explores the consequences of misplaced trust and the dangers lurking beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic domesticity. Both films skillfully unravel the complexities of human relationships, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats with suspense and tension as dark secrets come to light.

4. Fractured (2019)

In the psychological thriller ‘Fractured,’ directed by Brad Anderson, Sam Worthington stars as Ray Monroe, a man whose world shatters when his wife and daughter vanish during a hospital visit. As he battles the hospital’s bureaucracy, Ray descends into a psychological maze that challenges his sanity and reality. Reminiscent of ‘The Gift,’ ‘Fractured’ explores the disintegration of trust and the fragility of the human mind when confronted with unforeseen circumstances. Both films adeptly navigate the suspenseful terrain of psychological twists, offering audiences an unsettling journey into the blurred lines between perception and truth.

3. The Game (1997)

‘The Game’ and ‘The Gift’ share thematic similarities in their exploration of mind-bending twists and the impact of mysterious events on the protagonists’ lives. In both films, the main characters find themselves entangled in enigmatic situations that challenge their perceptions and force them to confront hidden truths. Directed by David Fincher, ‘The Game’ stars Michael Douglas as Nicholas Van Orton, a wealthy banker who becomes immersed in a high-stakes, life-altering game orchestrated by a mysterious organization. The film keeps viewers on edge with its unpredictable narrative, mirroring the suspenseful elements found in ‘The Gift,’ as both movies skillfully navigate the complexities of trust, deception, and unexpected consequences.

2. Primal Fear (1996)

Similar to ‘The Gift,’ ‘Primal Fear‘ engages audiences with its gripping exploration of deception and psychological complexity. Directed by Gregory Hoblit and adapted from William Diehl’s eponymous novel, this legal thriller stars Edward Norton in a breakout performance as Aaron Stampler, an altar boy accused of murder. Richard Gere plays Martin Vail, his defense attorney, who unravels a web of secrets and lies. The film’s unpredictable narrative and shocking revelations echo the suspenseful elements found in ‘The Gift.’ ‘Primal Fear’ skillfully navigates the legal and psychological dimensions of trust, showcasing the impact of hidden truths on the lives of its characters, making it a compelling counterpart to ‘The Gift.’

1. Every Breath You Take (2021)

‘Every Breath You Take‘ beckons fans of ‘The Gift’ with a tantalizing cocktail of suspense and emotional complexity. Directed by Vaughn Stein, this psychological thriller intertwines the lives of a psychiatrist (Casey Affleck), his grieving patient (Michelle Monaghan), and her enigmatic brother (Sam Claflin). The film’s magnetic pull lies in its skillful navigation of trust’s fragile terrain and the haunting repercussions of buried secrets. Much like ‘The Gift,’ ‘Every Breath You Take’ unfurls a riveting narrative, masterfully blending psychological intrigue with nuanced character dynamics, delivering an enthralling cinematic experience that captivates and surprises until the very end.