“Locked” takes the familiar premise of a person trapped in a high-stakes situation, reminiscent of Phone Booth (2002), and injects it with a dash of Saw (2004) and Collateral (2004) to create an engaging thriller. While the concept is straightforward—what if a car thief becomes trapped in a vehicle that turns murderous—the film succeeds by staying grounded and avoiding the temptation to overcomplicate the plot.
Plot Overview: A Simple but Effective Thriller
The story centers on Eddie Barrish, played by Bill Skarsgård, a down-and-out car thief who finds himself in a life-or-death battle when the vehicle he tries to steal begins to move with lethal intent. Skarsgård delivers a solid performance as the disgruntled Eddie, who starts as an unsympathetic character—a deadbeat dad with a troubled past—but gradually shows moments of redemption, particularly when he demonstrates his willingness to sacrifice for his daughter. Though his character has room for growth, the actor’s portrayal captures the frustrations and struggles of a man who’s running out of options.
Anthony Hopkinson plays William, a refined Welsh doctor who has taken matters into his own hands after a string of personal losses and a looming cancer diagnosis. William’s character is drawn from the archetype of a supervillain, motivated by vengeance, and Hopkinson’s performance captures both his sophistication and sadistic pleasure in tormenting his victim. Their interactions about class, privilege, and life’s unfairness fuel much of the film’s tension.
Character Dynamics: A Clash of Backgrounds
Eddie and William represent starkly different worlds. Eddie is a product of street smarts, while William is a man of intellect and privilege. Their conversations, which begin with debates about classical literature and social systems, devolve into a heated argument about justice, class, and power. As the film progresses, the antagonistic relationship between the two men evolves into a twisted cat-and-mouse game, culminating in a final confrontation that is both cathartic and satisfying.
What sets Locked apart is its ability to keep the narrative simple while still providing depth to its characters. Eddie’s gradual transformation from a self-serving thief to a man willing to put his life on the line for his daughter adds an emotional layer to the story. However, the film avoids turning Eddie into a fully redeemable character, leaving the audience to question whether his actions are born out of genuine growth or mere circumstance.
The Thrills and the Gore
Director David Yarovesky, known for Brightburn, manages to balance tension and violence without veering into gratuitous spectacle. Locked delivers its share of intense, gory moments—particularly a cringe-worthy scene involving a fingernail—that serve the story rather than detract from it. The film’s urban setting is well-utilized, with striking shots of the city landscape and a strong sense of isolation that enhances the feeling of entrapment.
The film also benefits from some dark humor, with characters sharing awkward moments over Gummy Bears and the bizarre “drink my own urine” incident, which adds an unexpected levity to the otherwise grim tone. There’s also a nod to Sam Raimi’s production company, which might explain the occasional mix of horror and dark comedy.
A Satisfying Conclusion
The finale of Locked is a tight, well-executed conclusion that resists the urge for an overblown twist or a forced resolution. The film’s simplicity is its strength, as it avoids unnecessary complications and stays true to its premise. Eddie’s final moments in the car, contrasted with his earlier struggle for survival, offer a fitting end to his character’s arc.
Conclusion
While Locked may not leave an unforgettable mark on cinema, it succeeds in providing a gripping and engaging thriller that doesn’t overreach. The film’s commitment to its straightforward premise and its ability to generate tension through character-driven drama makes it a solid choice for fans of psychological thrillers. There are minor issues—unrealistic soundproofing, bulletproof glass that’s too convenient, and some oddities with the car’s radio—but these are easily forgiven in the context of the film’s enjoyment factor.
In conclusion, Locked is a slick, well-crafted thriller that offers both tension and substance. While it may not be a standout in the genre, it’s a solid, enjoyable ride.
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