“THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ALICE CREED”

What’s it About?

Thinking they’ve cooked up the perfect crime, Vic (Eddie Marsan) and Danny (Martin Compston) abduct young heiress Alice Creed (Gemma Arterton), only to find their surefire plan unraveling as they attempt to negotiate a tidy ransom.

Directed by J. Blakeson

I was puzzled as to why they don’t make dynamic, taut and complex thrillers like J. Blakeson’s “The Disappearance Of Alice Creed” more often. A tension piece that serves the characters and moves at a breakneck speed, “Creed” manages to keep the viewer involved, repulsed and in suspense.

Most of the film takes place in a small apartment where the two leads, Martin Compston and Eddie Marsan, keep their kidnap victim, Alice Creed, hostage. The kidnappers are precise, quiet and deliberate as they hold Creed, played steely and believably by Gemma Arterton, prisoner. It is a basic ransom deal that slowly spins out of control. Distrust sets in. The film plays out in an unexpected manner as we discover things about the 3 characters that twist things all around. Here, along with the tight editing and capable photography, is where the film gels and excels at being a great tug of war crime drama. The film becomes a roller coaster ride and we have NO idea what to expect next as things go more and more awry with the leads.

The performances are top notch and the actors, especially Arterton, emote passion, anger, distrust and surprise with outright fanaticism. It is great to watch them all interact. There is a great ending where we still have no idea who will survive this bloody and complicated caper. Before that is revealed there is plenty of nudity (male and female), violence, bondage and betrayals. At the split second before the ending is where we as the audience say “ah, that’s how this is going to end”. Kudos to actor Eddie Marsan who despite his vicious and domineering exterior, is the tragic center of the piece. “Creed” comes very recommended. Enjoy this different and tense kidnap piece!