Review of The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009) by Kryztoff M — 28 Aug 2010

This suspense thriller opens with a calculated, well organised abduction of a young woman, Alice Creed (Gemma Arterton) by Vic (Eddie Marsan) and Danny (Martin Compston) who had first met when in prison. As the players start conversing, a web of love and trust is established as the three occupy a specially fitted out flat where Alice is tied up and Vic attempts to arrange for a pay off. Over time, these relationships start to turn sour with plenty of twists and mis-placed guesses to enthral viewers until its conclusion.

Written and directed by J Blakeson, this film almost feels as well fitted for the theatre as the big screen. We see nothing but the three characters and really there are only two places where the action occurs and we also know nothing about where that action takes place or the roles of anybody else in these people?s lives other then Alice?s father is wealthy.

Phillip Blaubach?s cinematography is superb creating complementing senses of both claustrophobia and isolation for each player, but particularly for Alice. The three stars do stunning jobs, mixing their varied emotions of aggression, fear and helplessness with aplomb. The creation of plausible self interest stories for each while maintaining an audience?s potential sympathy for all is tribute to all involved.

Gripping, cold cinema, in the style of the UK's 44 Inch Chest from earlier this year but much, much better.