There is no mistaking the importance of the golden rule — treating others how you want to be treated — as shown in the film “The Gift.”

This psychological thriller follows Simon and Robyn, played by Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall respectively, as they move into their new home and unexpectedly run into an old acquaintance from Simon’s past, Gordo, who wants to rekindle their old friendship.

Gordo, who is played by the movie’s director, Joel Edgerton, begins to awkwardly invite himself into the lives of the couple with unusual tenacity and leaves strange gifts at their doorstep, slowly unraveling an unnerving secret from the past after more than 20 years. After a few unsettling encounters with Gordo, Robyn realizes there is more to her husband’s past then he cares to talk about.

The thing that makes “The Gift” interesting is the motivation and uncertainty of the antagonist. The movie leads the audience to believe Gordo to be the villain, but as more information is revealed about his past, the line is blurred between right and wrong, as his intentions begin to feel more sympathetic and understandable.

Edgerton makes the audience feel trapped along with the couple, as there is nothing Simon and Robin can do to escape the situation they are put in.

At first, even though Gordo does not do much to the couple other then make them uncomfortable, his uneasy persona and his unique ability to eat away at the couple’s relationship tears their lives apart. Along with an engaging plot, Edgerton is able to keep a suspenseful and chilling atmosphere much in the vein of a Hitchcock thriller with moody lighting, great pacing and believable characters.

This film is a refreshing example of masterful suspense and tension that will have audiences cringing at every turn.