The Disappearance of Alice Creed (MA). Director: J. Blakeson. Starring: Martin Compston, Eddie Marsan, Gemma Arterton. 96 minutes
The word is 'methodical'.
During the tense opening minutes of The Disappearance of Alice Creed, two blue-collar thugs (Compston and Marsan) go about the task of transforming an abandoned apartment into a prison. There are plans afoot, presumably unpleasant plans. The sight of them purchasing and employing seemingly innocuous tools and materials — including a double bed — is imbued with an air of menace.
Methodical. We are transfixed by the rhythmic workmanship of these two men as they board up windows, reinforce doors, soundproof walls, without needing to exchange a word or barely a glance. Clearly, theirs are well-laid plans. And you know what they say about even the best-laid plans.
So from the outset the tension in The Disappearance of Alice Creed runs high. As the men assemble and make up the bed, it's easy to anticipate that unpleasant things are going to happen upon it.
Sure enough, moments later they don balaclavas, head out through the streets in a nondescript white van, kidnap a young woman (Arterton) and bring her back to this prison.
And that's only the beginning.
'Methodical' is also a good word for the way the plot unfolds, although don't take 'methodical' as being synonymous with 'slow'; in fact the plot is relentless, and always surprising. It would be a disservice to prospective audiences to give too much away, as this superbly crafted thriller thrives on plot twists that are often astounding but never incongruous.
Suffice it to say there is a ransom to be paid, and the kidnappers' scheme involves humiliating and sometimes physically bullying the young woman, Alice. This makes for nasty, uncomfortable viewing, although it's in keeping with the premise: these are damaged men committing desperate deeds; things are bound to get dangerous.
The film is undoubtedly a case of 'style over substance', although love and betrayal emerge as key, poignant themes. Most of the action takes place within the apartment, an
intimate environment that imprisons the viewer along with Alice, allowing them no escape
from the attrocities that occur therein.
The cast is limited to this trio of
characters, who form a triangle that itself becomes as claustrophobic as
the setting. The performances are all strong, especially from Marsan, an accomplished UK character actor who here adds 'enigmatic brute' to his repertoire.
Importantly, the film is also very funny. If hearing a joke