By no means a simple thriller, The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a British product by writer and director J Blakeson whom also wrote The Descent: Part 2 (2009). Starring only three actors/actress, this film uses the bare essentials yet creates room for plenty of plot twists and substance to keep you guessing til the very last moment.
Starring Gemma Arterton as Alice Creed, Martin Compston (Doomsday (2008)) as Danny and Eddie Marsan (V for Vendetta (2005)) as Vic.
The Plot
Two men transform and fortify an English basement into a prison cell and kidnap a young woman, tying her to a bed and gagging her. The two men Vic and Danny have meticulous plans and strict protocol to make millions on the ransom for their hostage – Alice Creed, daughter of a rich businessman chosen by Vic and Danny as their passport into a better life. Terrified for her life, Alice is not about to let the captors have their way with her without a fight but as tension builds in the basement, the sexual and psychological ties between the captors and captive become more and more twisted and all three are brought close to breaking point with Vic and Danny’s foolproof plan descending into a desperate struggle for survival.
The Thoughts
I found this film thoroughly enjoyable which was a pleasant surprise since I am not usually easily impressed by homeland produce, and what with the budget cast and set – it could have been a major fail. However, the film was greatly saved by cutting edge performances by all three of the cast and a pretty superb plot that was unconventionally clever and maintained mystery throughout. J Blakeson’s slick directing ensured the film captured my undivided attention from the beginning, even though the beginning sequence was virtually dialogue-free for a good 10 minutes. I thoroughly enjoyed trying to guess what was going to happen next but then being surprised by the nifty twists right til the end.
The Film Buzz Rating: 7.5/10
UK Release Date: 30th April 2010
Director: J Blakeson
Writer’s: J Blakeson
Links: IMDB, Official Site
