“Gifted” (2017) is a drama film directed by Marc Webb that tells the story of Frank Adler (Chris Evans), a single man raising his child prodigy niece, Mary Adler (Mckenna Grace), in a small coastal town in Florida. The film explores themes of family, intelligence, and the challenges of nurturing a gifted child.

Fred, the one-eyed cat, plays a small but significant role in the film, providing emotional support and a sense of normalcy to Mary. Fred’s presence is a constant in Mary’s life, offering her comfort and companionship amidst the turmoil of custody battles and the pressures of her exceptional intellect. Fred symbolizes the simplicity and warmth of the home Frank has created for Mary, contrasting with the more clinical and ambitious environment her grandmother, Evelyn Adler (Lindsay Duncan), envisions for her.

Throughout the movie, Fred serves as a reminder of the everyday joys and the importance of a loving and stable home, emphasizing that emotional well-being is as crucial as intellectual development  for a child’s growth. Note : the original cat in the movie has two complete, fine eyes.

Fred’s Scenes

Opening Scene: Fred is seen in the opening sequence as Frank wakes Mary up for her first day of school, establishing the cozy and homey environment they live in. Mary strokes Fred’s back as she passes by while Fred was near the food bowl.

Breakfast Scene: Fred is present during breakfast when Mary is reluctant to go to school, showing the normalcy and routine of their life together. Fred was seated as though waiting to be served a plate. He would be scene lounging on the table later, surrounded by bags and cans of cat food with his paw on a folded newspaper.

School Trouble : After Mary gets into trouble at school for shouting at the Principal and is sent home, she went with Frank to the docks and the beach. Fred was on a leash while they ride a boat, have a sweet moment with Mary, and was quietly settled in the sand (photos at the end of this post). Mary mentions Fred likes sandpipers. These scenes shows how Fred gives her stability.

Show and Tell in school : Mary brought Fred to show her classmates and states “I have the most awesome cat in the history of time” and that “she” is a very smart cat although no one realizes that. When asked why Fred only has one eye, Mary explained that she wasn’t there but Fred was found in the trash beside a bottle of alcohol.

 

Grandma Evelyn’s Visit: During Evelyn’s first visit, she gifted Mary a macbook. Frank and Mary joked about “retina.”

Mary’s Emotional Breakdown: When Mary and Frank has an emotional moment at home, Fred is seen under the macbook, emphasizing his role as a comforting presence in her life.

Custody Battle: During the custody battle scenes, Fred is mentioned as part of the home environment that Frank provides for Mary, highlighting the stability and love in their household.

Frank recovers Fred and other cats from a kill-shelter: After receiving a photo from Mary’s teacher of Fred posted as an adoptable pet, Frank headed hurriedly to the shelter to take him back. Frank knows how Mary would be heartbroken if she finds out that Fred was brought to a shelter, all the more if he gets put to sleep. Frank took him back and 2 other cats along!

Reconciliation Scene: Towards the end of the film, when Mary and Frank reconcile after the custody issues, Fred is present, reinforcing the idea of family and home.

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A Symbol of Stability and Safety for Mary

Mary’s world is full of pressures—intellectual expectations, family tensions, and questions about her future that no seven-year-old should have to face. Fred anchors her to the present. His quiet companionship gives Mary space to simply be a kid.

• A refuge from intensity: When Mary’s precocious mind and emotional sensitivity overwhelm her, Fred offers an uncomplicated affection that helps calm and ground her.

• A reminder of normal childhood: Amid talent assessments and courtrooms, Fred represents everyday childhood joys—feeding the cat, carrying him around, curling up beside him.

In many scenes, Mary gravitates toward Fred instinctively, which highlights how deeply she longs for emotional security.

Fred as a Reflection of Frank’s Parenting

Frank’s decision to raise Mary “normally” is embodied in the home environment he creates—simple, loving, a little messy, and full of heart. Fred, with his one eye and easygoing manner, encapsulates that philosophy.

• Embracing imperfection: Fred’s injury and survival story echo Frank’s belief that life doesn’t need to be flawless to be good.

• Love over achievement: Frank’s care for Fred subtly reinforces his values—he doesn’t chase prestige or perfection. He cares for those who need him.

In this way, Fred becomes a quiet testament to Frank’s nurturing instincts—and a contrast to Evelyn’s colder, achievement-driven view of family.

The Cat as a Measure of “Home” for the Courtroom Conflict

During the custody battle, every detail of Frank’s home is scrutinized, including Fred. While never a central plot point, the mention of the cat underscores what Frank can offer:

• Continuity: Fred has been part of Mary’s life long before the custody fight.

• Social-emotional well-being: Child psychologists often highlight the importance of pets for children’s emotional regulation—something implicitly acknowledged when Fred is referenced.

• A depiction of real family: The grandmother’s envisioned world of tutors and isolated excellence has no room for a one-eyed rescue cat. Frank’s world does.

Thus, Fred quietly highlights the competing visions of what Mary’s life should be.

Why Fred Matters More Than Screen Time Suggests

Fred functions as:

• A symbol of unconditional love

• A representation of Frank’s nurturing, grounded parenting

• A manifestation of Mary’s emotional life

• A contrast to Evelyn’s rigid, intellectualized worldview

• An anchor for the theme of “what a child truly needs to thrive”

By giving Mary something constant and comforting, Fred embodies the heart of Gifted: that brilliance alone cannot raise a child—love, stability, and humanity must guide her too.

Mary : “I think about Fred, therefore I am.”

Frank : “Cogito, ergo Fred.”

Mary : “He’s a dude, and he’s a guy, and he only has one eye.”