Is Locked In Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of TV Movie, Thriller cinema, the 2017 release of Locked In stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Ever since her father was murdered, Taylor has had to take care of her agoraphobic mother, Ann Marie, and tend to the family farm. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of TV Movie, Thriller are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Ever since her father was murdered, Taylor has had to take care of her agoraphobic mother, Ann Marie, and tend to the family farm. Ready to start her own life, she prepares to tell her mother that she is going to move away with her boyfriend Blake at the start of the new school year. However, her plans are put on hold when a looming storm threatens to destroy the farm. As she prepares for the storm, a stranger knocks on the door asking for a place to stay because he has run out of gas. Reluctant to trust the stranger, Taylor can't help but believe he is connected to her father's death. Now she must brave the storm while keeping her mother safe from this mysterious man."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Josie Davis, the performance in Locked In feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Damián Romay is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 85 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Locked In truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of TV Movie, Thriller, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4.9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Locked In explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Damián Romay respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Locked In is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Josie Davis or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Locked In is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.