By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
Anthony Hopkins (TV's "Those About to Die") and Bill "Pennywise" Skarsgard ("Nosferatu") form a dynamic and compelling duo in the action-packed thriller "Locked" from director
David Yarovesky ("Brightburn").
"Locked" is the English-language remake of the 2019 Argentinian action film "4x4." While I haven't seen the original, if it's even half as gripping as "Locked," it's definitely one I'll be seeking out.
In "Locked," Hopkins--whose voice dominates the film but whose presence remains unseen until the final 40 minutes or so--delivers a chilling portrayal of William, a billionaire grappling with cancer and mourning the murder of his daughter.
Though he has every reason to be bitter about his circumstances, it's his deep disdain for the poor and the younger generation--whom he views as selfish and entitled--that fuels his rage.
On the other side of the equation is Eddie Barrish (an excellent Skarsgard), a man struggling with his past mistakes and the fractured relationship with his wife and young daughter, Sarah (Ashley Cartwright, TV's "Home Before Dark").
Eddie is constantly letting his family down, especially Sarah, who has waited after school for her dad to pick up, but he rarely arrives. There is always a reason why he can't make it. This time it's a really big reason, but it's still his fault.
As a part-time delivery driver, Eddie is desperate to fix his truck in time to pick up Sarah. When he finds himself $500 short at the local repair shop that is run by Karl (Michal Eklund, "The Silent Hour"), his situation grows dire.
In a desperate move, Eddie steals a wallet, hoping for a quick cash fix, but doesn't find much in it. When he spots an unlocked, expensive black SUV in a nearby lot, he slips inside only to realize he's made a fatal mistake. The car is a trap.
The car belongs to William, and Eddie's fate is sealed. The billionaire has designed the vehicle to be a high-tech prison, complete with bulletproof glass, tasered seats, cameras, and remote controls that allow him to torment Eddie with terrifying precision.
William's intention is not just to teach Eddie a lesson, but to break him down mentally and physically. What follows is a cat-and-mouse game where Eddie must use his wits to survive, all while his daughter's future hangs in the balance.
The film becomes a test of endurance and morality. As Eddie desperately tries to escape, you can't help but root for him, especially when Sarah becomes part of the equation. However, William shows no mercy. The more Eddie resists, the more he is pushed to his breaking point.
The tension between the two men escalates, with William increasing the heat inside the car, and even attempting to freeze Eddie into submission. It all leaves viewers wondering how much Eddie can withstand.
Screenwriters
Gaston Duprat (TV's "Bellas Artes") and
Michael Arien Ross ("Oracle") cleverly weave in themes of classism and morality, adding layers to the already high-stakes narrative. The claustrophobic setting becomes more than just a physical confinement, but rather a metaphor for the larger social issues at play. Plus, there's a unique excitement in the way "Locked" plays with the sensation of being trapped, both physically and emotionally.
As the story unfolds, you're witnessing two prisoners. Eddie, in his fight for survival and William, who remains locked in his own tormented past.
Ultimately, "Locked" is a thrilling ride that never lets up, offering a gut-punch of suspense with Hopkins and Skarsgard delivering top notch performances.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the
Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Watch This Trailer For
"LOCKED"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
