Chris Evans’ Underrated Family Drama With 73% RT Score Becomes Streaming Hit 7 Years Later

Chris Evans’ underrated family drama Gifted has become a streaming hit seven years after its initial release. Directed by Marc Webb, who helmed The Amazing Spider-Man movies and Disney’s upcoming Snow White adaptation, the movie follows Frank’s (Evans) relationship with his brilliant 7-year-old niece Mary, as he seeks to gain custody and provide a healthy upbringing. Along with Evans, the film stars Mckenna Grace, Octavia Spencer, Lindsay Duncan, and Jenny Slate. Having premiered in 2017, it garnered praise from critics, earning a Rotten Tomatoes score that currently stands at 73%.

After recently being made available to stream on Prime Video, Gifted has found a larger audience. At the time of writing, Evans’ movie ranks second overall on the Top 10 US list, right behind The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and ahead of Luca Guadagnino’s tennis drama, Challengers.

What Gifted’s Streaming Success Means

The Movie Can Draw A Wide Audience

Despite being a hit on Prime Video, Gifted had a successful theatrical release, generating $43 million against a small production budget. Often lighthearted, but emotional when depicting Frank and his struggle to raise Mary, it’s a movie that can be enjoyed by many audiences, and the numbers may reflect that. Throughout Gifted, it is revealed that Mary has a talent for solving advanced mathematical equations, similar to her deceased mother, Frank’s sister Diane. She also exhibits many of Frank’s characteristics, demonstrating how close they grow over time.

Along with the dramatic stakes, including Evelyn attempting to get involved in Mary’s life and Frank being separated from his niece, Gifted has the ability to draw a wide audience because of its cast, highlighted by Evans and Grace. Over the years, Evans has been known for playing Steve Rogers in the MCU, but continues to build his fanbase. While Gifted was a turning point in Grace’s young career, since then, she has appeared in popular content, including The Haunting of Hill House, Young Sheldon, and the recent Ghostbusters movies.

Our Take On Gifted Becoming A Streaming Hit

Evans Should Make Another Family Film

The success of Gifted could benefit Evans, as it reminds audiences of his acting range and ability to work with young talent. The events of this film, particularly toward the end, see his character grapple with him and Evelyn’s dynamic, and with losing Mary, then emotionally reuniting and embracing being a parent figure. Evans’ filmography has included many family movies outside of Marvel (i.e. Knives Out and Lightyear) but another drama, similar to Gifted, could be a good future role.

Source: Prime Video