‘Locked’ Review: Bill Skarsgard and Anthony Hopkins Class Up Silly High-Concept Thriller

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For future auto burglars, here’s a heads-up. If you manage to get into a high-end SUV but find yourself locked inside by an angry owner, beware when the car phone rings. Refrain from answering it, or you might miss out on the delight of listening to Sir Anthony Hopkins in his most charmingly menacing voice.

In the gripping thriller at hand, Bill Skarsgard portrays Eddie Barrish, a destitute, unlucky criminal whose past misdeeds catch up to him. Notably, this is a role where Skarsgard experiences the wickedness he previously inflicted as Pennywise and Count Orlok.

In this suspenseful story, Bill Skarsgard plays Eddie Barrish, a character who has to face the consequences of his criminal past. Coincidentally, this is a role where he gets to experience the evil he previously portrayed as Pennywise and Count Orlok.

Locked is an American adaptation of the 2019 Argentinian thriller, 4×4, which received acclaim in film festivals. The plot revolves around a concept conceived by a talented screenwriter during a late-night drinking spree. The protagonist, who we know to be a somewhat decent criminal due to his affection for his young daughter (Ashley Cartwright), finds himself in trouble when he selects the wrong vehicle to rob. It turns out that this vehicle has been transformed into an indestructible device of torment on wheels. (It’s not like a Tesla, as all the advanced controls function flawlessly.)

Essentially, I’m referring to the fact that the vehicle, from a perspective within it, appears impenetrable. Eddie finds that all doors and windows are securely locked, making escape difficult. The SUV is soundproofed, meaning he can’t be heard if he cries for help. Its tinted windows also prevent others, like the woman who looks on with worry, from seeing his distress, even as she applies lipstick nonchalantly. What makes this situation even more dire is that the vehicle is also armored and bulletproof – a fact that Eddie learns painfully when he attempts to shoot his way out and the bullet ricochets, injuring him in the leg instead.

When the phone rings and the message “Pick Up” appears on the display, a startled Eddie initially declines. However, the caller persists, leading Eddie to eventually take the call.

The man on the other end of the call greets me cheerfully, sounding quite sophisticated. He identifies himself as William, hailing from South Wales, and shares his frustration over having had his car burglarized six times without any arrests. He then subjected Eddie to a series of unpleasant ordeals: electric shocks from the car seats, fluctuating temperatures beyond control, and the most aggravating – incessant polka music, even with yodeling!

The discussion (with an abundance, it seems) veers towards philosophical topics. Eddie poses a question to his adversary, “Have you ever read ‘Crime and Punishment’?” He compares himself to the protagonist of Dostoevsky’s well-known novel. In response to Eddie’s good behavior, William grants him edibles from the glove compartment. However, when Eddie misbehaves, William assumes control of the vehicle and provides quite the thrilling journey. Most irritatingly, he often addresses Eddie as “old sport,” implying that he has perhaps overindulged in reading ‘The Great Gatsby.’

The film, “Locked,” under David Yarovesky’s skillful direction, manages to keep its absurd yet captivating premise afloat throughout its concise duration. This is largely due to the compelling performances by Skarsgard and Hopkins. Skarsgard delivers an intense portrayal as a tormented criminal, both physically and psychologically, while Hopkins, known for his exceptional knack for eloquent, menacing villains, brings his unique talent to the table. Interestingly, we do get to see and hear William, but it seems the seasoned actor enjoyed the chance to primarily phone in his role.

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2025-03-19 07:24