Why It Should Have Sucked: Where to begin? Even though this isn't Joel Edgerton's first script, it is his directorial debut, which is always a dangerous venture, and the marketing didn't suggest much more than a predictable thriller about a crazy stalker. Why even bother? Why It Was Awesome: Despite seeming like a cliched thriller, The Gift was cleverly marketed only for the final movie to totally defy expectations, turning the predicted route entirely on its head and delivering a devilishly clever, even dementedly brilliant work of sustained tension. Performances of the three leads are superb, especially Bateman, who gets to play a far more nuanced, complex character than his usual roles, and Edgerton's assured direction bleeds every ounce of suspense out of a premise that'll keep you guessing all the way to the devastating final reveal.