The Gift

A young Iranian woman named Mona is preparing for her university entrance exams. She spends most of her time studying at home with her mother, but strange occurrences and unsettling whispers begin to plague her. As the pressure of her exams intensifies, Mona starts to suspect that something supernatural may be affecting her and her surroundings, leading her to question her sanity and the reality of her situation.

The Gift (2018) is a slow-burn psychological thriller that garnered attention for its atmospheric tension and exploration of anxiety. While not a mainstream blockbuster, it was praised by some critics for its suspenseful build-up and subtle horror elements, though others found its pacing to be too deliberate.

• Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and mounting dread.

• Appreciated for its nuanced portrayal of a character under extreme stress.

• Some found the slow pacing to be a detractor from the overall suspense.

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Screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2018.

The film was shot entirely in Tehran, Iran, adding to its authentic and claustrophobic atmosphere.