For some reason I was under the misapprehension that this film was a horror movie (possibly due to the smudged mascara image), which was partly why I avoided it at the cinema, not being much of a fan of that particular genre.

When I saw it was coming out on DVD/Blu-ray, I thought I might as well have a look because it was bound to be different to Gemma Arteton's other recent appearances in the risible PRINCE OF PERSIA and the rather excellent comedy TAMARA DREWE, although TAMARA DREWE's success was more down to the ensemble cast and a great script than merely Arterton's presence.

From the opening sequence it was clear this was going to be more than the average B-movie, although it still could have potentially been a horror film of the Saw/Hostel school, especially with the initial rape of titular Alice.

However, I use rape (as in the rape of the Sabine women) in its original context, which means to kidnap, and while the victim is stripped naked, she is quickly reclothed before being tied to a bed, gagged and hooded. It quickly transpires that this three-hander is a taut thriller about ransom demands and deception.

Arterton's character may carry the film's title but she is more of a vehicle for the dramatic conflict between her two captors, played by Eddie Marsan and Martin Compston, who both give powerful and nuanced performances.

Marsan is an old hand and can be relied on to give a great performance, which in this case ranges from downright scary to vulnerable. Compston is definitely developing into an excellent young character actor and his part of Danny is far removed from his recent appearance in SOUL BOY.

It may not break new ground in kidnap movies, but for a low-budget three-hander in a predominantly single set it manages to pack in plenty of surprises, twists and tension that are totally believable without having to rely on overly spectacular set-pieces, such as MAN ON FIRE.

While it manages to remain dramatically gritty, the cinematography is not and, thankfully, for the most part steers clear of excessive camera movement and other modern clichés that mar the genre these days.

This is a solid British thriller that can stand on its own against anything produced in the US, or elsewhere, and delivers a satisfying, if somewhat predictable finale.

Out on DVD/Blu-ray in the UK from October 4 and available from Play and all good retailers.