Locked Movie Review : Intense, well-acted, but ultimately underwhelming

Story: Eddie, a small-time thief, tries to break into a luxurious SUV, only to find himself trapped inside. Unaware that the car is no ordinary vehicle, he soon discovers that its owner, William, has designed it as a deadly trap.

Review: ‘Locked’ has an absurd premise, but its intensity keeps you from dwelling on the silliness. The film is relentless, gripping you early on with its tension, though it eventually struggles with overambition. While the thriller follows a predictable survival arc and isn’t groundbreaking, it remains engaging. It effectively builds suspense, drawing you into the characters' plight. ‘Locked’ is a taut film that likely stemmed from a “what if” scenario, with the writers running wild with their imagination. If you can embrace its absurd and outlandish premise, you may find it entertaining.

A remake of an Argentinian film, ‘Locked’ follows Eddie (Bill Skarsgård), a small-time thief who breaks into a high-tech SUV parked in a lot. However, once inside, he realizes he’s trapped—the doors won’t open, the bulletproof windows won’t break, and the car won’t start. As he struggles to escape, the vehicle’s owner, William (Anthony Hopkins), calls him. He reveals that Eddie is the seventh person to attempt stealing the car—and none of the previous six were ever arrested. What follows is a tense exchange, where every curse Eddie hurls earns him a taser shock, while good behaviour is rewarded with water and a cookie. When Eddie resists, William takes control of the car remotely, giving him a terrifying ride. Just as Eddie begins to understand the depth of his situation, the tension escalates—William decides to join him inside the car.

This dialogue-heavy film keeps its conversations engaging by weaving in references like Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’ but it eventually runs out of steam. This thriller thrives on the brilliance of its two lead actors, turning an otherwise absurd premise into an entertaining watch through a series of twists and turns. However, despite the strong performances, the excitement eventually plateaus.

Bill Skarsgård delivers a sincere and committed portrayal of Eddie, making his character’s ordeal feel authentic. Meanwhile, Anthony Hopkins is heard more than seen, yet his presence dominates. With masterful vocal intonations, he conveys a range of moods, creating an ominous atmosphere that lingers for a major part of the film. It’s evident that Hopkins relishes his role, using only his voice to instill unease and tension.

Produced by Sam Raimi, ‘Locked’ evokes comparisons to ‘Phone Booth,’ the Colin Farrell thriller. Director David Yarovesky keeps the film tightly edited, ensuring a brisk pace, but the sense of claustrophobia that Eddie experiences never fully translates to the audience. The film also struggles with likability—Eddie is a small-time thief and a failure, while William is manipulative and calculating, making it difficult to root for either character. Despite a strong start, this film gradually loses its grip, ultimately leading to an underwhelming experience.