From producer Sam Raimi (‘Evil Dead’, ‘Drag Me to Hell’) and director David Yarovesky (‘Brightburn’, ‘Nightbooks’) comes ‘Locked’, a psychological thriller that dares to confine nearly its entire runtime to the interior of a single vehicle—and somehow, it works.
The Plot. ‘Locked’ follows Eddie (Bill Skarsgård), a small-time car thief who thinks he’s hit the jackpot after breaking into a luxury SUV. But his joy quickly turns to terror when the car locks him inside. Trapped and cut off from the outside world, Eddie discovers he’s the pawn in a sadistic game orchestrated by William (Anthony Hopkins), a wealthy vigilante who watches—and controls—his every move from afar.
What unfolds is a gripping psychological battle between freedom and control, guilt and justice, survival and surrender.
The Performances. Skarsgård delivers an emotionally raw performance, shifting seamlessly between panic, rage, and desperation. He carries the film’s weight with remarkable stamina, making Eddie’s unraveling both believable and deeply human. Hopkins, though largely off-screen, steals every moment he’s present—his chilling voiceovers and occasional appearances add gravitas and a haunting sense of omnipresence.
Their dynamic is the soul of the film. Hopkins plays God, or at least a man who thinks he’s earned the right to act like one. Skarsgård plays everyman—a thief, yes, but one painted with shades of humanity that make you question who’s truly to blame.
Direction & Tone. Director David Yarovesky deserves praise for crafting suspense out of stillness. A one-location film is a risky choice, but Locked avoids monotony through clever pacing, visceral camera work, and a score that never lets you get comfortable. The final act ratchets up the tension and lands an emotional punch that’s both satisfying and thematically resonant.
Themes & Symbolism. Locked is more than a survival thriller. It’s a meditation on morality, classism, and the flawed justice systems—formal and vigilante alike. Viewers will find themselves oscillating between sympathizing with the thief and questioning the righteousness of his captor.
Some may see it as a parable: what happens when the powerless get punished by those who believe they’re above the law?
What Holds It Back. While the performances and direction shine, the film isn’t without flaws. The dialogue, particularly from Hopkins’ character, occasionally lapses into repetition, and the film’s slow burn pacing may test the patience of viewers craving more explosive thrills.
The epilogue, though thematically rich, feels slightly underwhelming after the intensity of the climax.
LionhearTV‘s Verdict. Locked isn’t a perfect film—but it’s a powerful one. With standout performances, sharp direction, and thought-provoking ideas, it manages to keep you gripped even within the limited space of a car. It’s a testament to the strength of storytelling and acting when confined by physical space but freed by imagination.
Recommended for: Fans of psychological thrillers, one-location dramas, and character studies with moral weight.
Catch Locked in theaters starting April 2.
