Year: 2017
Runtime: 101 min
Language: English
Director: Marc Webb
Budget: $7M
Frank Adler, a devoted single father, tries to raise his exceptionally gifted niece, Mary, away from the pressures of the academic world. When her remarkable math abilities become apparent, Frank finds himself facing opposition from Mary’s grandmother, Evelyn, who believes the girl should attend a specialized school. He must then navigate his own complicated history and protect Mary’s potential while safeguarding their close relationship.
Get a spoiler-free look at Gifted (2017) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In a quiet town where ordinary routines mask deeper currents, a single‑parent household becomes the heart of an understated but resonant drama. The story unfolds around the everyday spaces of a modest home, a close‑knit community, and the quiet hum of a life that could have been ordinary—if not for the extraordinary mind that lives within it.
Frank Adler, a devoted single father, has spent years shielding his niece from the glare of expectations that often accompany prodigious talent. He values simple moments—home‑cooked meals, late‑night conversations, and the freedom to explore the world without a formal syllabus dictating every step. Mary, his eleven‑year‑old charge, possesses a mathematical brilliance that flickers like a hidden light, hinting at possibilities far beyond the playground. Their bond is tender and fiercely protective, a partnership built on love, trust, and the shared desire to preserve a childhood unmarred by pressure.
Around them, a small circle of caring adults offers both support and subtle complication. Roberta, the landlady and longtime friend, watches the two with a motherly concern, aware that the world outside their doorstep may soon demand attention. Meanwhile, Evelyn, Mary’s grandmother, arrives with a different vision—one that leans toward formal recognition of the child’s gifts and the opportunities that formal education can bring. Their differing perspectives frame a gentle conflict that raises questions about what is best for a bright mind: nurture in privacy or cultivation in a structured setting.
The film’s tone remains warmly intimate, balancing quiet humor with heartfelt tension. It invites viewers to contemplate the delicate act of shielding a genius while allowing that same brilliance to blossom naturally. As the characters navigate love, responsibility, and the subtle pull of destiny, the story asks how far one should go to protect a child’s happiness when the world quietly whispers of her potential.
Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 03:22
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Heartfelt stories of ordinary guardians fighting legal battles for a child's well-being.Movies like Gifted where a central custody battle becomes the emotional core. These family dramas focus on the legal and emotional struggle to protect a child's future, often featuring tense courtroom scenes and deeply personal stakes.
The narrative follows a dedicated guardian—a parent, relative, or foster parent—whose right to raise a child is formally challenged. The story unfolds through a legal or intense social conflict, exploring themes of family, belonging, and what constitutes a 'good' life for a child, ultimately affirming the power of love over prestige or tradition.
These films are grouped by their central conflict: a legal fight for custody that serves as a crucible for the characters' love and values. They share a medium emotional intensity, a steady pacing that builds towards the legal climax, and a tone that balances tense drama with a hopeful, heartfelt core.
Intimate dramas about raising a prodigy and protecting their childhood.If you liked Gifted, explore other films centered on child prodigies. These stories delve into the challenges and joys of raising a genius, often involving conflicts between different philosophies of education and happiness.
The story revolves around a child with a remarkable, often intellectual or artistic, talent. The central tension arises from competing visions for the child's future: one path pushes for rigorous, specialized training to maximize their gift, while the other prioritizes a balanced, emotionally healthy childhood. The narrative explores the sacrifices and pressures of genius.
Movies in this thread share a focus on the unique dynamic of raising a prodigy. They consistently feature themes of parental love versus external ambition, the weight of potential, and the struggle to define success. The tone is typically intimate and dramatic, with a steady pacing that allows for deep character exploration.
Don't stop at just watching — explore Gifted in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Gifted is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of Gifted, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of Gifted with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Gifted. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Gifted: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like Gifted that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Gifted (2017) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
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