What develops is a character-driven thriller, where allegiances are frighteningly unstable and the controlling party is in constant flux. Starring only the three leads, and with the action confined almost exclusively to the fortified flat, Blakeson has crafted an admirably claustrophobic piece, with the growing paranoia palpable and your moral compass flicking back and forth with considerable uncertainty. The multiple twists are handled with aplomb, and even in its more audacious developments Alice remains gripping entertainment. It worth noting there's much to spoil here, so beware coverage of this one.
Arterton is superb, demonstrating a remarkable line in self preservation, both of the fight and flight variety. Marsan's Vic meanwhile is genuinely unnerving, at once both in resolute control of events and on the verge of total breakdown. Balancing him out is the subordinate Danny, a younger, slimmer and slightly mysterious accomplice, shifty and clearly not at peace with the plan. It's as well these actors are as capable and committed as they are - given the intense focus on the dynamic between them throughout, less convincing performers would have killed this project at birth.
Whilst arguably the ending represents something of a cop out, for the vast majority of the running time Alice is a triumph of low-budget Brit cinema that deftly exploits its tight premise to the full, and points a disapproving finger at many a big budget effort.
The Disappearance Of Alice Creed is at UK cinemas from 30th April via CinemaNX.