Every once in a while, a “small” movie comes out, capturing our critical attention like no other, more anticipated film.
This is the case of “Locke,” a sporadically brilliant, always intriguing tale, skillfully written and directed by Steven Knight.
The handsome and talented Tom Hardy gets the role of a lifetime in playing the lead, a man named Ivan, who has worked diligently hard to shape a rewarding existence defined by dedication to his job and love for his family.
One evening, Ivan receives a phone call that sets in motion a series of horrific events that unravels his family, job, his body and soul. All the events take place over the course of one riveting car ride, which turns the sage into a tense and intense drama.
“Locke” is an exploration of how one decision can ricochet in many unanticipated directions, ultimately leading to the decline and collapse of a seemingly stable life.
Expertly directed by Steven Knight (better known as the writer of David Cronenberg’s “Eastern Promises” and Stephen Frears’ “Dirty Pretty Things”), “Locke” is replete with tension and intensity we associate with claustrophobia.
As helmer, Knight keeps surprising us with a steady series of twists and turns, manifest in complications that Locke thinks he can manage with his competent skills.
Like all suspense thrillers that are confined in time and space, “Locke,” set within the restricted and punitive size of a car, contains it share of contrived occurrences, and is manipulative, but the over dramatic effects justify the means.
But ultimately it’s Hardy’s riveting performance that makes “Locke” the thrilling cinematic event, drawing us with each gesture, move, and shudder into the experience of a man fighting to salvage what’s important to him.
Be warned:
The entire film plays out in a car as he drives from Birmingham to London. Throughout the drive, he takes dozens of phone calls with his colleagues, his family, a woman with whom he was unfaithful, and others. That the scale of the storytelling is so dramatic in such a restrictive format is truly incredible.
Cast
Starring: Tom Hardy as Ivan Locke
Voices
Olivia Colman as Bethan Maguire
Ruth Wilson as Katrina Locke
Andrew Scott as Donal
Ben Daniels as Gareth
Tom Holland as Eddie Locke
Bill Milner as Sean Locke
Danny Webb as Cassidy
Alice Lowe as Sister Margaret
Silas Carson as Halil Gullu
Lee Ross as PC Davids
Kirsty Dillon as Gareth’s wife
Credits
MPAA: R
Running time: 85 Minutes.
Directed and written by Steven Knight.