Keanu Reeves Is A Convicted Murderer In A Supernatural Horror Movie On Streaming

By Steven Nelson | Published

keanu reeves

These days Keanu Reeves is a leading man’s leading man with multiple massive franchises and just one of the best Hollywood dudes around. But it wasn’t always that way and there was a time when he played against type (read: kind of a bad guy) in supernatural horror flicks. You can see one of them now in The Gift, a gripping psychological thriller streaming on Amazon.

Directed by Sam Raimi, this 2000 film delivers an atmospheric and suspenseful narrative that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Is it a typical Keanu Reeves role? No, but that’s a good thing.

In The Gift, Keanu Reeves portrays Donnie Barksdale, a small southern town dad who becomes a person of interest in a murder investigation

In The Gift, Keanu Reeves portrays Donnie Barksdale, a small southern town dad who becomes a person of interest in a murder investigation. As the mysterious and enigmatic character, Reeves brings a chilling presence to the screen, adding depth and complexity to Donnie’s persona. It definitely is a departure from the guy we know now.

The film centers on Annie Wilson, played by Cate Blanchett, a gifted psychic who becomes entangled in the investigation and is plagued by haunting visions. Reeves’ portrayal of Donnie forms an integral part of the film’s tense and unnerving atmosphere, keeping viewers guessing about his true intentions. It’s a true whodunit in that respect with Blanchett’s character trying to unravel a mystery with her psychic powers.

Released to some critical acclaim, The Gift is praised for its well-crafted plot, compelling performances, and ability to keep the audience guessing until the very end. Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Donnie Barksdale adds an element of mystery and unpredictability to the film, adding to the overall suspense and intrigue.

And in terms of overall star power, it wasn’t just Cate Blanchett and Keanu Reeves carrying this film. The Gift also featured Greg Kinnear, Giovanni Ribisi, Katie Holmes, Hilary Swank, and even J.K. Simmons. That’s quite the lineup. 

The Gift is sitting at 57% on Rotten Tomatoes and did make close to $45 million at the box office

Currently, The Gift is sitting at 57% on Rotten Tomatoes and did make close to $45 million at the box office on a budget of around $10 million. Back in the early 90s, that represented something of a win where the money conversation was concerned? These days? Not so much, but Hollywood was churning out different kinds of flicks then.

It’s worth noting that when The Gift came out Keanu Reeves had already landed on the big screen in The Matrix the year before. So his action star was on the rise in a big way. 

Keanu Reeves Is A Star’s Star

john wick 5

Keanu Reeves recent movie career has been characterized by a remarkable resurgence, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved and iconic actors around. After achieving legendary status in the ’90s with roles like Neo in The Matrix and Jack Traven in Speed, Reeves experienced a career renaissance in the 2010s and beyond.

One of the standout successes of his recent career is the John Wick film series, which catapulted him back into the spotlight as the titular assassin seeking vengeance after the murder of his dog of all things. With its heart-pounding action sequences, stylish visuals, and a charismatic performance from Reeves, the John Wick franchise has become a massive hit, spawning multiple sequels, earning him a dedicated fan base and widespread critical acclaim.

Keanu Reeves has BRZRKR, Cyberpunk 2077 and Constantine 2 all in the works

And there is more Keanu Reeves on the way in coming years with a number of bigger titles in the works. He’s set to reprise his John Wick role in the Ballerina spinoff and he’ll also go back to the role of Constantine in an anticipated sequel to that comic book adaptation.

Plus, he’s also set to star in BRZRKR which is a planned comic book adaptation of a comic Reeves himself helped create. Oh, and don’t forget Cyberpunk 2077 as well. There’s a lot on this guy’s plate right now.

For now,  The Gift on Amazon is a captivating and chilling psychological thriller that showcases Keanu Reeves’ ability to delve into complex characters. With his enigmatic portrayal of Donnie Barksdale, Reeves adds a layer of intrigue to the film’s suspenseful narrative. Get immersed in this riveting thriller, we are reminded of the enduring talent and charm that Keanu Reeves brings to every role he undertakes. And it doesn’t hurt that he goes a bit creepy from time to time.