Locked, directed by David Yarovesky, begins with about twelve production logos for unfamiliar companies. That’s when I knew I was in for an interesting ride (pun intended). The film follows Eddie Barrish (Bill Skarsgård), a young father struggling to get his life together. After facing one setback after another, he turns to petty theft. He breaks into a high-end SUV, only to find himself trapped inside with no way out. The terror escalates when Eddie realizes the car’s owner, William (Anthony Hopkins), has total control. William uses the car’s system to force Eddie into mind games and physical challenges. What follows is a high stakes battle of wits where Eddie must survive his captor’s twisted game.
The premise feels like the perfect setup for a claustrophobic thriller, much like 2002’s Phone Booth or 2016’s Don’t Breathe. The film starts strong but occasionally loses tension as the plot becomes repetitive. One element, however, holds the film together – Bill Skarsgård’s performance.
Bill Skarsgård plays Eddie, the emotional core of the film. His performance is essential to the film’s success. Skarsgård conveys Eddie’s desperation and fear effectively. As Eddie fights to outwit William and survive, Skarsgård brings raw, frantic energy to the role. Though the script doesn’t offer much character development, Skarsgård’s performance makes Eddie relatable. Without him, Eddie would have felt less sympathetic, and the emotional impact of the film would have been diminished.
Hopkins’ character is terrifying, not because of physical presence, but because of his unpredictability. For much of the film, William is unseen, communicating with Eddie solely through the car’s system. Hopkins’ voice is chilling. Every word oozes with malice as if William takes pleasure in Eddie’s suffering. His calm demeanor, mixed with an underlying edge of cruelty, heightens the tension and his presence is felt in every scene. William’s voice creates an oppressive atmosphere, keeping the fear constant and engaging. His contrast between calm and cruelty increases the horror, making William one of the most unsettling villains in recent thrillers.
One scene in particular highlights the dynamic between Eddie and William. Eddie has no control over the car, as it barrels through the city. In this scene William is pushing Eddie to his breaking point, with the threat of potentially hurting his precious daughter. During this scene I was holding my breath, clenching my teeth, and gripping the sides of the theater seat. Hopkins’ portrayal of this character ensures the stakes never drop too low. Skarsgård keeps the audience engaged and rooting for him, and that is where the magic of this film lies.
In terms of themes, Locked touches on privilege, justice, and power dynamics. However, these themes feel shallow. The film prioritizes the psychological game between Eddie and William over exploring these deeper ideas. Despite the two having a major commonality of fatherhood, Eddie does not use this to his advantage. That theme feels as though it’s a completely missed opportunity for the film to go a bit deeper. Still, this doesn’t take away from the intense atmosphere. The real horror lies in the mind games and control William exerts over Eddie.
Visually, the film uses its confined setting well. Close-up shots and claustrophobic camerawork heighten the feeling of being trapped. The tight framing mirrors Eddie’s limited options, building tension. However, as the story progresses, some stylistic choices, like the seventeen overhead drone shots, feel excessive.
Final Thoughts
While Locked falters in some areas—particularly with a repetitive narrative and underdeveloped themes—it’s anchored by two standout performances. Skarsgård holds the film together, while Hopkins’ unhinged portrayal of William elevates the terror. Locked succeeds primarily due to Hopkins’ chilling presence, which creates constant tension. For fans of psychological thrillers, Locked is worth a watch, even if it doesn’t fully realize its potential.
3/5
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My childhood consisted of weekly visits to Hollywood Video and Sunday morning calls to the local movie theater to hear the showtimes for the day. It was during my sixth trip to the theater to see The Dark Knight (2008) that I realized my love of movies may not be considered "typical." This love led me to completing a bachelor's degree in media arts with a special focus in film from Montclair State University. When I'm not rambling on about movies on TikTok, I am feeding into my online shopping addiction, reading a mystery book with specifically a female lead who has a troubled past, or most likely just eating chocolate chip cookies.
My Favorite Movies: Call Me By Your Name, Scream, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, 12 Angry Men, and Almost Famous.