When I first saw The Gift, I had no idea that it would be a film that would stay with me for more than a few days Yet, months after I first saw it, it remains one of my favorite mystery thrillers of all time This fascinating film is currently available on Netflix, but it won't be for much longer, as the streaming service is scheduled to end soon

Of course, I don't want to spoil too much, as this is a thriller with a shocking mystery at its core But just know that the slow-building tension and disturbing performances make this film stand out This film is one of those rare thrillers that not only entertains, but also leaves the viewer on the edge of his or her seat

Unfortunately, this psychological masterpiece leaves Netflix next week If you haven't seen it yet, we urge you to do so before it disappears Here's why this is the kind of movie you'll want to talk about long after it's over

“The Gift” tells the story of Simon (Jason Bateman) and Robin (Rebecca Hall), a married couple who move to a new house in California and unexpectedly meet Simon's high school acquaintance, Gordo (Joel Edgerton)

Initially, Gordo appears clumsy but harmless, frequently stopping by their home unannounced and bringing gifts However, as Gordo's behavior becomes increasingly disturbing, Simon decides to cut Gordo out of their lives This decision triggers a series of disturbing events as secrets from Simon's past begin to surface Tensions mount as the couple realizes that Gordo is not just a lonely man, but someone who harbors a deep personal grudge against Simon

The Gift is actually a very creepy thriller that draws you in with quiet intensity From the moment Gordo re-enters Simon and Robin's lives, there is an air of unease that gradually worsens throughout the film The story focuses more on psychological terror than jump scares, which I appreciated

What makes The Gift effective, however, is how it plays with the audience's expectations What initially feels like a straightforward tale of an awkward reunion with an old acquaintance, the film deftly twists the narrative to reveal layers of deception and buried secrets One of the scenes that stuck with me was when Simon dismisses Gordo as nothing more than an unsociable figure from his past

Of course, in typical thriller fashion, it's a slow burn But by the time the tension finally wears off, you are left with a chilling sense of unease Critics seem to agree with this assessment, given the film's 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes Guy Lodge of the London Evening Standard says: “An unexpected, unpredictable and deeply unnerving psycho-thriller”

Meanwhile, Sarah Stewart of the New York Post says: “A dark and ultimately very troubling psychological thriller from actor/writer/first-time director Joel Edgerton

If you like a good mystery thriller that keeps you guessing from start to finish, The Gift is the next one to watch on Netflix It's a smart but insidious film that balances strong performances with genre thrills Remember, however, that it is no longer available for streaming, and your viewing deadline is August 31

Need more content? Check out other suspense thriller movies or watch my favorite dark thriller show that was just added to Netflix (and deserves more attention)

Stream “The Gift” on Netflix now