Review of The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009) by Troy M — 23 Aug 2010

Go see "Alice Creed" immediately. Why? (1) it's a small film that will not play long in theatres (2) it may just be the best crime thriller you'll see all year (I'm looking at you, "Inception"). To be fair, the two movies are miles apart - both highly psychological, but one epic in its scope of the far reaches of the mind, and one a claustrophobic tangle of hidden truths and foggy morality. For my money, I was sweating more with nervy anxiety during the expertly rendered "Creed", which proves that 3 actors and one room can hold you more rapt than any number of gunfights, exploding buildings, car chases, or A-list stars engaged in one-upmanship.

The level of talent on display here is a thing of sublime beauty. Exquisite cinematography, note-pitch acting, and a cleverly written script that doesn't trade character and story for surprises, of which there are many. But each new reveal only serves to ratchet up the tension to near bursting levels. This is great, gripping stuff, and I don't know much about helmer J. Blakeson, but you feel as if you are being lead around by a director not far from the mastery of a Hitchcock.

The film works best in its first 3/4, where the action is confined to a dingy London apartment. There is a kidnapping, yes, and the result is a young woman tied to a bed, with 2 masked assailants barking deadly serious instructions at her. From that point on, about 5 minutes into the movie, you will not be able to leave your seat, even to save yourself should the cinema burst into flames.

Which, let me tell you, could happen. "Alice Creed" sizzles, but not in a blockbuster way, and is just what a summer loaded with "guys on a mission" films needs. Call yourself a movie lover and go see this thing already.