It tells the story of a very normal looking family who adopt
an adorable little red-haired girl. Over time she does “little girl” things
like fighting with her older (not adopted) sister, spilling a drink, making
messes, interrupting when parents are busy.
We watch the parents get angry and less inclusive of this little girl.
She grows more remote and sad, and acts out more. She has a stuffed doll whose insides she
keeps pulling out. The symbolism is
evident.
What happens next is the father takes her for a ride, and
just when you think he is about to give her the attention she so sorely needs,
the “Gift” (as the film is named) takes a very dark turn. It needs to be watched to the bitter
end. I must say that I was shocked and
really moved by this beautiful little film that manages, without words, to say
everything there needs to be said about the responsibility of adopting both
children and animals. We live in a society that has a throw-away
mentality. We have short attention
spans, and often don’t have the patience nor the commitment to deal with life
when it becomes difficult.
This short film is truly a Gift that should be watched and
watched again.
