PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Locked is an intriguing and suspenseful film that not only showcases the immense versatility of young actor Bill Skarsgård but also proves that a thrilling narrative doesn’t require elaborate sets or a large cast. The movie unfolds primarily in a confined, high-stakes setting: inside a luxurious SUV, with most of the action taking place in this one location. What sets Locked apart is its ability to build tension and suspense through minimalism, relying heavily on Skarsgård’s performance and the menacing, off-screen voice of the legendary Anthony Hopkins.
Directed by David Yarovesky, best known for his work on the horror-superhero hybrid Brightburn, Locked feels like a taut, psychological thriller with some unsettling elements that could easily tip into horror territory. While it would be a stretch to categorize Lockedd as a traditional horror film, its gripping, nerve-wracking atmosphere certainly makes it easy for viewers to draw comparisons to horror, particularly with its exploration of fear, control, and survival. The claustrophobic nature of the story, coupled with the psychological torment that the protagonist endures, gives it a certain horror-adjacent quality.
At its core, Locked is a remake of the 2019 Argentine film 4/4, which has been reworked for an English-speaking audience. This is a rare case where the remake improves upon the original, making it one of the better English-language remakes in recent memory.
The basic plot remains the same: a down-on-his-luck thief breaks into a high-end SUV, only to find himself trapped in a deadly cat-and-mouse game. What seems like a simple heist quickly escalates into a battle of wits and survival as the protagonist must navigate a series of increasingly perilous situations. It’s a psychological puzzle, reminiscent of Saw, where every decision could lead to a fatal consequence.
Skarsgård’s performance is undoubtedly one of the film’s strongest elements. Known for his versatility in roles like Pennywise in It and the complex character in The Devil All the Time, Skarsgård proves once again that he is one of the most talented young actors working today.
His portrayal of the thief, a man who is forced to confront his worst fears while being manipulated by an unseen antagonist, is a masterclass in tension. With minimal dialogue and only the confines of the vehicle to interact with, Skarsgård manages to convey a full spectrum of emotions—fear, desperation, defiance—without relying on typical action sequences or explosive moments. His ability to hold the audience’s attention with such a limited set of tools speaks volumes about his skill as an actor.
The voice of Anthony Hopkins, who plays the unseen antagonist, adds a layer of dread that amplifies the tension throughout the film. Hopkins’s chilling voice, full of calculated menace and psychological manipulation, creates a sense of paranoia and danger, even though he is never physically present. His character serves as the puppet master, pulling the strings from afar, keeping Skarsgård’s character—and the audience—on edge at all times.
Though Locked doesn’t break new ground within the thriller genre, it remains a solid and engaging film, propelled by excellent performances, a gripping narrative, and tight direction. While the film doesn’t boast the same level of shock value or innovation that other thrillers may offer, it remains a taut, well-executed experience that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a movie that thrives on psychological tension rather than physical action, with a heavy focus on character and atmosphere.
In conclusion, Locked is a thrilling and suspenseful film that shines due to the standout performances of its lead, Bill Skarsgård, and the ever-menacing Anthony Hopkins. Director David Yarovesky has crafted a contained, yet highly engaging experience that proves that a film doesn’t need expansive locations or a large ensemble to deliver an impactful narrative. Though not a groundbreaking entry into the thriller genre, Locked is a film worth watching for fans of suspenseful, psychologically intense cinema.
