The Disappearance of Alice Creed

I never watched a trailer for this, and after seeing it, I can assure you, less is more. Sure, we have all seen a kidnapping film or two in our time, but these days it's quite difficult to find an "original" idea anymore. Look at INCEPTION, beyond creative, was claimed to be a rip-off of a Scrooge McDuck comic. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED is a compelling thriller that has more twists and turns than any rollercoaster I've been on and had me guessing until the credits rolled. The average premise is quickly forgotten as you are pulled into this nasty and unpredictable situation three people face.

Considering the majority of the film takes place in a boarded up, soundproof apartment, I felt like a victim myself while watching THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED. J Blakeson does an amazing job keeping the film exciting by only using a few actors and an apartment as the main attraction. It is hard to believe something could go wrong because from the opening scene you get a real sense of professionalism from the two criminals. But, we all know there wouldn't be a story if that was the case. The story itself has far too many layers to imagine and as it slowly unfolds, any chance of predicting the outcome is flushed down the toilet. At times, you don't know who to root for, but in the end are fed with a well-deserved payoff. I feel like I'm walking on glass trying not to give anything away, so please just do yourself a favor and see it. There is a surprise at the end of nearly every scene.

In the midst of all twists, there are outstanding performances given by the trio of actors. Gemma Arterton as Alice Creed plays the role as if it was her true calling. Her character, terrified about her fate being up in the air, manages to keep her composure as well as anyone in this situation could. Eddie Marsan as Vic is an unsympathetic criminal with nothing but money on his mind. Even though he left a few times, his presence was felt in the apartment at all times. Martin Compsten as Danny played the more paranoid, amateur kidnapper. Given the most responsibility, he has the tougher decisions to make out of the group.

This is the most unoriginal, original movie (if that's possible) I've seen in quite some time. A tight and well-acted thriller, that puts most generic ransom movies to shame. I watched this on IFC’s “Same Day as Theater” on ON DEMAND and it was well worth the at-home rental.