Gifted - Film Review

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Gifted (2017), directed by Marc Webb, is a poignant and thought-provoking drama that explores themes of intelligence, family, responsibility, and the moral complexities of raising a gifted child. The film stars Chris Evans as Frank Adler, a single man raising his niece, Mary (Mckenna Grace), who is a child prodigy. The story delves into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by Frank as he navigates the complexities of raising Mary, who is both intellectually advanced and emotionally vulnerable. At the core of the film is the question of how to nurture a gifted child in a way that allows them to thrive while also preserving their childhood and emotional well-being.

Gifted is not just a film about a child prodigy; it is a story about family dynamics, the sacrifices parents and guardians make, and the broader societal expectations placed on children who show exceptional talent. Through its exploration of these themes, the film raises important questions about what it means to be a good parent, how to balance intellectual potential with emotional health, and how love and care can shape the future of a child.

The film opens with Frank Adler (Evans), a single man, living in a small town in Florida with his 7-year-old niece, Mary (Grace). Frank is raising Mary after the death of his sister, Diane, who was a brilliant mathematician. Frank’s life is quiet and simple, and he works as a boat mechanic, trying to give Mary as normal a life as possible. However, Mary is no ordinary child. She has a remarkable gift for mathematics, demonstrated early on when she solves complex math problems far beyond her years.

Mary’s extraordinary abilities catch the attention of her school teacher, Bonnie (Jenny Slate), who encourages Frank to have Mary tested. It becomes clear that Mary is a prodigy, capable of solving mathematical problems at a level that would challenge even the most accomplished mathematicians. Bonnie, recognizing Mary’s potential, suggests that Frank allow Mary to attend a special school for gifted children where she could receive the academic challenges she deserves.

However, Frank is hesitant. He wants Mary to have a normal childhood, free from the pressure and expectations that come with being labelled as a genius. Frank’s reluctance to push Mary into the world of high-level academia stems from his own experience with his sister Diane, who was also a gifted child but whose life was marred by the pressure to excel. Diane’s genius ultimately led to her emotional breakdown and death, which Frank believes was a result of the intense pressure placed on her as a child prodigy.

The tension between Frank’s desire to protect Mary’s childhood and his responsibility to nurture her intellectual abilities becomes the central conflict of the film. This conflict is complicated further when Frank’s mother, Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan), arrives from Boston and demands that Mary be enrolled in a prestigious school for gifted children. Evelyn believes that Mary’s potential must be maximized, and she argues that Frank’s decision to keep Mary in a normal school is a form of neglect. The legal battle that ensues between Frank and Evelyn over Mary’s future raises profound questions about the ethics of raising a gifted child and the responsibilities of guardianship.

As the film unfolds, the audience is given a glimpse into the emotional and psychological impact of being a child prodigy. Mary is portrayed as a bright and curious child, but she is also lonely, isolated, and struggling with the pressure of being different. She is caught between her love for her uncle and her desire for intellectual fulfilment. The film explores the deep emotional bond between Frank and Mary, as well as the challenges of navigating the world of giftedness and the complex relationships that come with it.



At the heart of Gifted is the theme of giftedness and the burden that comes with extraordinary potential. The film explores how society often places unrealistic expectations on gifted children, expecting them to achieve great things at an early age. In Mary’s case, her mathematical genius sets her apart from other children, and she is constantly reminded of her abilities by those around her. However, this gift is not just a source of pride; it also isolates her from her peers and complicates her emotional development.

Frank’s desire to protect Mary from the pressures of her gift is rooted in his own experience with his sister Diane. Diane was a brilliant mathematician who was pushed too hard by their mother, Evelyn, and ultimately became emotionally unstable. Frank believes that the pressure to be a genius contributed to Diane’s breakdown and death, and he is determined not to make the same mistakes with Mary. He wants her to have a childhood filled with love, friendship, and normal experiences, rather than one dominated by the expectations of others.

The film raises important questions about the nature of giftedness and whether it is a blessing or a curse. While Mary’s abilities are extraordinary, they come at the cost of her emotional well-being. She struggles with loneliness, isolation, and the pressure to meet the expectations of those around her. The film suggests that giftedness, while valuable, is not without its challenges, and it requires careful nurturing to ensure that the child’s emotional and psychological needs are met.

The film also addresses the societal pressures placed on gifted children, particularly in the context of education. Bonnie, Mary’s teacher, encourages Frank to allow Mary to attend a school for gifted children, where she would be surrounded by other children like her. However, Frank is wary of this idea, believing that such an environment would exacerbate the pressure on Mary and make her feel even more isolated. The film explores the tension between nurturing a child’s intellectual potential and protecting their emotional health, raising the question of whether society’s obsession with achievement is ultimately harmful to gifted children.

Another key theme in Gifted is the complexity of family dynamics and parental responsibility. Frank’s relationship with his mother, Evelyn, is fraught with tension, as they have fundamentally different views on how to raise Mary. Evelyn believes that Mary’s gift must be nurtured at all costs, even if it means sacrificing her childhood. She argues that Frank is holding Mary back by not pushing her to achieve her full potential. For Evelyn, the desire to maximize Mary’s intellectual abilities is a form of love, but Frank sees it as a form of control and neglect.

The film explores the generational conflict between Frank and Evelyn, highlighting the different ways in which they view their responsibilities toward Mary. Evelyn’s insistence on enrolling Mary in a prestigious school reflects her belief that the only way to truly love a gifted child is to push them to succeed. Frank, on the other hand, believes that love means allowing Mary to live a normal life, free from the pressures of academia. The legal battle that ensues between them over Mary’s future becomes a metaphor for the larger question of what it means to be a good parent or guardian.

Frank’s relationship with Mary is central to the film, and it highlights the deep emotional bond between them. Frank is not just a guardian; he is a father figure to Mary, providing her with love, stability, and emotional support. His decision to prioritize her emotional well-being over her intellectual potential is driven by his desire to protect her from the same pressures that led to his sister’s downfall. The film portrays Frank as a loving and devoted uncle who is willing to make sacrifices for Mary’s happiness, even if it means going against his mother’s wishes.

The film also explores the role of extended family in shaping a child’s future. While Evelyn’s approach to raising Mary is rigid and focused on achievement, Frank’s love for Mary is grounded in emotional support and the desire to give her a fulfilling childhood. The contrast between Frank and Evelyn’s approaches to parenting reflects the broader societal debate about the role of parents in shaping their children’s futures, particularly when it comes to giftedness.

The ethical questions surrounding the raising of a gifted child are central to the narrative of Gifted. The film raises important questions about how much pressure should be placed on a child to fulfil their intellectual potential, and whether it is ethical to push a child to achieve greatness at the cost of their emotional well-being. Frank’s reluctance to push Mary into a world of high-level academia is rooted in his belief that childhood should be a time for exploration, play, and emotional development, not just academic achievement.

The film suggests that the ethical responsibility of raising a gifted child goes beyond simply fostering their intellectual abilities. It is about recognizing the emotional and psychological needs of the child and ensuring that they are given the tools to navigate the complexities of their gift. Frank’s decision to protect Mary from the pressures of academia is a moral stance that challenges the idea that success is the ultimate goal of parenting. Instead, the film advocates for a more holistic approach to raising children, one that prioritizes their emotional health and happiness.

The legal battle between Frank and Evelyn serves as a vehicle for exploring these ethical questions. As they argue over what is best for Mary, the film raises the issue of whether it is ethical to push a child to achieve greatness, even if it means sacrificing their emotional well-being. The film suggests that love and care should be prioritized over achievement, and that the true measure of success in raising a child is not whether they become a genius, but whether they grow up to be happy, well-adjusted individuals.

The film also explores the role of education and socialization in the development of gifted children. While Frank is hesitant to place Mary in a school for gifted children, Bonnie believes that such an environment would provide Mary with the intellectual stimulation she needs to thrive. The film presents both sides of this argument, showing how gifted children can benefit from being surrounded by peers who share their intellectual abilities, but also how this environment can exacerbate their sense of isolation and pressure to succeed.

Mary’s struggle with socialization is a key aspect of the film. Despite her intellectual brilliance, she is a lonely child who does not fit in with other children her age. The film suggests that socialization and emotional development are just as important as intellectual achievement, and that gifted children should be given opportunities to develop emotionally and socially, not just academically.

Gifted is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of raising a gifted child. Through its exploration of family dynamics, the burden of potential, and the ethical questions surrounding giftedness, the film raises important issues about parenting, responsibility, and the balance between intellectual achievement and emotional well-being. The performances of Chris Evans and Mckenna Grace bring the characters to life, creating a heartfelt and emotionally resonant story about love, sacrifice, and the importance of nurturing both the mind and the heart.

Ultimately, Gifted is a film about the importance of emotional support, the complexities of family relationships, and the ethical responsibilities of raising a gifted child. It suggests that love and care should be prioritized over achievement, and that true success in parenting lies not in pushing a child to fulfil their potential, but in helping them become happy, well-adjusted individuals. Through its nuanced exploration of these themes, Gifted offers a powerful message about the importance of balance in raising children and the need to recognize their emotional needs as well as their intellectual potential.

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