DVD Corner

Locked DVD Review

“Locked” is an intense thriller.

Written by Micharl Arlen Ross, “Locked” is a remake of “4×4.” The story revolves around the irresponsible Eddie who is in a rut. His car is in the shop but he doesn’t have the money to repair it. This is especially problematic as he needs the car for delivery work and to pick up his daughter (Sarah) from school. In a moment of desperation, he looks to steal an SUV, but it’s a decision he instantly regrets. Eddie finds himself trapped in the car which is being remotely controlled by William (a dying rich Doctor) who has customized the vehicle and turned it into a torture trap essentially. He communicates with Eddie via phone calls. Eddie tries to find a way but ends up injuring himself severely. Worse still, he is being starved, dehydrated, shocked, overheated and frozen by William. Eddie discovers William is out for vengeance for a very specific reason and wants to punish Eddie for his criminal deeds. Not only is William’s life in danger, but other people’s lives may be in peril as well. 

Directed by David Yarovesky and produced by the legendary Sam Raimi (of “Evil Dead” and “Spider-Man” fame), “Locked” is largely a stylish contained thriller (AKA a bottle movie) set inside the SUV (although there are portions of the film that take place outside of the vehicle). Bottle movies can be tricky to pull off as you run the risk of not only running out of ideas, but boring the audience with tedious scenes. Thankfully, much like movies such as “Locke” and “Saw” (which “Locked” shares strong similarities with), “Locked” grabs you from the beginning and never lets go. This pulse pounding morality tale/revenge tale has high stakes and you really root for Eddie. Yes, he’s a deeply flawed screw-up, but you hope he can get out of this hellish situation, turn his life around, and be a good father. As for William, he’s certainly the villain of the piece, but he’s a complex one. You understand his tragic past has broken him, you understand his desire for revenge, and you understand his quest to teach hard lessons even though he’s clearly an unstable, disturbed sadist who doesn’t care about his maniacal actions as he is on the verge of death. 

What really makes “Locked” work is the performances by Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins. Skarsgård really throws himself into the part. It’s a very physically demanding role that you absolutely have to sell in order for the film to work and he does so with ease. He really has a knack for disappearing into roles. Hopkins has a tendency to phone in roles as of late and while he does indeed phone in the part quite literally for much of the film, this ranks as one of his best performances of the past decade alongside his work in “The Father” and “Armageddon Time.” It’s nice to see him play a more sinister character again (and one that is much different than Hannibal Lecter).

Video/Audio:

Presentation: Widescreen. How does it look? The lack of a Blu-ray release is frankly strange, but this standard definition release is adequate (if a bit blotchy at times).

Audio Track: Dolby Digital 5.1. How does it sound? From the music to Anthony Hopkins voice on the phone, this is an effective 5.1 track.

No extras.

August 21, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | DVD review | Anthony Hopkins, Bill Skarsgard, Locked DVD Review, Locked Movie, thriller