THRILLING from twist to twisted twist, The Disappearance of Alice Creed has all the ingredients of a low-budget hit and proves that a one-room, three-character script can outclass a big budget blockbuster any day
Released in 2009 to positive reviews, the British film revolves around the kidnapping of one Alice Creed, played to perfection by Gemma Arterton, a young woman with a wealthy father.
Two ex-convicts, Danny (Martin Compston) and Vic (Eddie Marsan), plan and execute an almost faultless abduction, which is chilling in its authenticity.
But all is not what it seems.
The growing sense of uneasiness turns into dread as true colours and motivations are uncovered, revealed and turned upside down.
Written and directed by J Blakeson, this, his first feature film, is tightly paced and carried by three strong performances and a meaty narrative.
The relationship between Danny and Vic is particularly enthralling, with Marsan and Compston proving their worth.
It's been compared to Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs for its treatment of the hostage standoff genre and, like Reservoir Dogs, Blakeson uses close-ups and stark settings to amp up the tension on screen.
It's the threat of violence, rather than violence itself that will have audiences squirming in their seats.
While some have criticised the film's dramatic climax and conclusion, there is much to appreciate about Blakeson's debut.
THE Disappearance of Alice Creed (TBA)
Directed by: J Blakeson
Starring: Gemma Arterton, Martin Compston, Eddie Marsan
Rating: Four stars
Screening: from September 9
Reviewed by: Natasha Thorson