When I started The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009), I thought it was going to be a paint-by-numbers hostage film.
And at first, that’s exactly what we got—two criminals who have planned a kidnapping down to the minute detail. But, of course, the best-laid plans almost always go to waste.
What makes this film exceptionally fun, what makes it punch above its weight, is a script that delivers real surprises. Who are these two criminals? What is their relationship to each other? And what is their relationship to Alice? Can anybody trust anyone? This film explores that in-depth while dialing the tension up to eleven.
When you watch this film, you’re going to sweat. Your heart’s going to race. You’re going to have to wipe your brow every now and then. Because let me tell you—what happens in this film? I did not see it coming. You think it’s going one way, and then it side-swipes you.
Writer and director Jay Blakeson made a film so good it’s been remade multiple times in different languages—there’s a Dutch version, an Indian version, and even a German remake. When a film gets remade that often, you know it’s special.
Another thing I have to mention is the soundtrack. My God, does it sound amazing. Pianos, strings, beautiful orchestration—the music tells a story all on its own.
And, of course, what’s a film without its cast? What’s incredible about this one is that there are only three actors for the entire runtime. No extras, no supporting cast—just Jemma Arterton, Eddie Marsan, and Martin Compston. And they deliver a tour de force in the craft of acting.
This one’s special. Believe me, it deserves all the praise in the world.
In fact, I’m seriously thinking about buying it on Blu-ray.
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@atomicpoet It's such a great movie. Loved it.
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