A taut thriller that loses focus
A remake of a hit Argentinian film, ‘Locked’ starts with a gripping premise, moving at a brisk pace while effectively building tension. However, after an intriguing setup, the film stumbles in its second act, losing momentum. While powered by strong performances, it struggles with consistency, particularly in maintaining a sense of claustrophobia and suspense. It follows the journey of a protagonist trapped in a confined space, reminiscent of films like ‘Buried’ and ‘Phone Booth,’ but doesn’t always succeed in sustaining the thrill.
A silly premise
The story follows Eddie (Bill Skarsgård), a small-time thief with a troubled marriage but deep love for his daughter. His attempt to steal a luxury SUV backfires when he finds himself trapped inside, with no way to start the car, break out, or call for help. Panic sets in, escalating further when a gun misfires and injures him. Soon, William (Anthony Hopkins), the vehicle’s owner, contacts him on the phone, revealing that this is the seventh theft attempt on his car—with none of the previous thieves being prosecuted. Their conversation shifts from negotiation to psychological warfare, as Michael punishes Eddie with taser shocks for cursing and rewards him with water and cookies for compliance. When Michael decides to join Eddie inside the car, the plot takes an unexpected turn.
A thriller that stretches thin
Much of ‘Locked’ relies on dialogue, with a significant portion unfolding over the phone. The filmmakers clearly understood that engaging conversations were key to sustaining interest, leading to discussions—including references to ‘Crime and Punishment.’ However, as the film progresses, the exchanges become repetitive, making it feel unnecessarily verbose. While both leads keep the tension alive, neither character is particularly likable, blurring the lines between protagonist and antagonist in a way that feels more frustrating than intriguing.
Strong performances, uneven pacing
The film successfully establishes a tense atmosphere that aligns with its psychological thriller framework. However, the suspense wears off before Anthony Hopkins’ character even makes a physical appearance. While his voice work adds gravitas, by the time he steps on screen, much of the intrigue has dissipated. Bill Skarsgård delivers an earnest performance as Eddie, effectively conveying his character’s desperation and fear. Hopkins, meanwhile, clearly enjoys his role, skilfully manipulating his voice to create a menacing presence.
Verdict
Locked would have worked best in a tighter runtime, yet at just 97 minutes, it still feels overly stretched. As the film drags on, questions arise—how long should Eddie remain inside the car? How long should their conversation last before it becomes redundant? While ‘Locked’ presents itself as an engaging psychological thriller, it struggles to maintain its grasp.
Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Bill Skarsgard, Ashley Cartwright, and Michael Eklund
Director: David Yarovesky
Rating: 3/5
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