The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2010)
83%RT Audience Score: 78%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 6 nominations
J Blakeson’s The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a masterclass in minimalist filmmaking, proving that a tight, efficient thriller can be just as effective as a big-budget blockbuster. With just three actors and a simple premise, Blakeson weaves a complex web of deceit and suspense that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end. While some plot developments may strain credibility, the film’s conclusion features one of the most nail-biting moments of the year. Blakeson’s direction is precise and economical, and his three leads deliver gritty, ambiguous performances that elevate the material. The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a textbook example of how to do a lot with a little, and a must-see for fans of the genre.
The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a thrilling ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With only three actors and a tight plot, this movie proves that less is more. Sure, there are a few moments that might make you raise an eyebrow, but the nail-biting conclusion more than makes up for it. Plus, who doesn’t love a good whopper switcheroo? Overall, this movie is a textbook example of how to do a lot with a little, and it’s definitely worth a watch.
Production Company(ies)
micro_scope T S Productions, Phi Group
Distributor
Anchor Bay
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Douglas, Isle of Man
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for violent content, pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity
Year of Release
2010
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Color:Color
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Sound mix:Dolby Digital
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Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
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Runtime:1h 40m
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Language(s):English
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Country of origin:United States
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Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Aug 6, 2010 Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 17, 2010
Genre(s)
Mystery & thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Gemma Arterton, Martin Compston, Eddie Marsan, directed by J Blakeson, written by J Blakeson, Mystery & Thriller, $167.0K box office, R MPAA rating, reviewed by Anna Smith, Mark Feeney, Philippa Hawker, James Berardinelli, Sandra Hall, Stephen Cole, Stuart McGurk, Brent McKnight, Troy Patterson, Noah Berlatsky, Abby Olcese, Adrian Sturges produced
Worldwide gross: $896,919
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,219,260
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,551
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 132,962
US/Canada gross: $166,980
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $226,990
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,522
US/Canada opening weekend: $40,258
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $54,726
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,180
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $800,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $1,087,509
Production budget ranking: 2,086
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $585,624
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$453,873
ROI to date (est.): -27%
ROI ranking: 1,548
Martin Compston – Danny
Eddie Marsan – Vic
J Blakeson – Director, Screenwriter
Steve Christian – Executive Producer
Director(s)
J Blakeson
Writer(s)
J Blakeson
Producer(s)
Adrian Sturges
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 6 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (99) | Top Critics (38) | Fresh (80) | Rotten (19)
While some plot developments are more plausible than others, the conclusion features one of the most nail-biting moments of the year so far.
August 23, 2018 | Rating: 4/5
Anna Smith
metro.co.uk
TOP CRITIC
The Disappearance of Alice Creed begins with a van being stolen and ends with a different stolen vehicle being driven away. In between comes a tight, efficient thriller with just three actors and at least two whopper switcheroos.
September 16, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
Mark Feeney
Boston Globe
TOP CRITIC
The neatness of the movie, however, hems it in. It is plotted almost to a fault.
September 9, 2010 | Rating: 3/5
Philippa Hawker
The Age (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
It’s refreshing to see someone putting the needs of the part over her image, and this is far from a halfhearted performance. It’s gritty and gutsy.
September 9, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
James Berardinelli
ReelViews
TOP CRITIC
There are one or two implausibilities towards the end of it all but Blakeson overcomes those with his climax. There’s not a special effect in sight and no stunts either but he never lets go of the suspense. It’s a rare skill.
September 7, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Sandra Hall
Sydney Morning Herald
TOP CRITIC
And unlike many filmmakers who make movies to take pictures, Blakeson is interested in his players. His three principals deliver convincingly messy, ambiguous performances.
August 13, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
Stephen Cole
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
J Blakeson’s kidnap thriller is a textbook example of how to do a lot with a little.
May 19, 2021 | Rating: 3.5/5
Stuart McGurk
NME
Minimal, but a tense, effective suspense thriller.
July 14, 2020 | Rating: B
Brent McKnight
The Last Thing I See
After meticulously rigging a combination of claustrophobic suspense drama and icy procedural, director J Blakeson allows his movie to fall apart.
October 25, 2019 | Rating: 2.5/4
Troy Patterson
Spin
The cynicism of the undertaking is a little numbing, but even so it’s hard not to admire the efficiency of the mechanism.
September 18, 2019
Noah Berlatsky
Splice Today
It’s got the kind of writing you’d expect to find in a Hitchcock movie, with performances that measure up on every level.
June 24, 2017
Abby Olcese
Scene-Stealers.com
A kidnapping story told in simple but effective way.
August 14, 2011 | Rating: B-
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com…
Plot
Two criminals, Vic and Danny, kidnap Alice Creed. They fastidiously set-up an apartment building and handcuff Alice to the bed, all in a careful attempt to make sure that she won’t escape and they won’t get caught. But what do Vic and Danny really want with Alice? And is Alice cunning enough to foil their plans and escape?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t have anything goofy or funny to say about The Disappearance of Alice Creed, but it does mention that the film features Gemma Arterton, Martin Compston, and Eddie Marsan in the lead roles.
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