Read our review of Locked, the psychological thriller starring Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins, where a luxury SUV becomes a deadly trap in a tense game of survival.

David Yarovesky’s Locked is a taut psychological horror-thriller that turns a simple crime into a high-stakes battle of wits. The film opens with Eddie Barrish (Bill Skarsgård), a petty thief, breaking into what seems like an ordinary luxury SUV. What he doesn’t anticipate is that this vehicle—and its owner—will transform his heist into a harrowing psychological nightmare.

The premise is deceptively simple, yet it lays the groundwork for intense suspense. The SUV, outfitted with cutting-edge technology, becomes both a cage and a weapon. Within this confined space, Eddie finds himself pitted against William (Anthony Hopkins), the mysterious and commanding owner, who orchestrates a game of survival that tests Eddie’s morality, courage, and wit.

Skarsgård delivers a compelling performance as the desperate and increasingly panicked Eddie, balancing vulnerability with bursts of cunning. Opposite him, Hopkins brings his trademark gravitas and menace, turning every line of dialogue into a study of psychological power dynamics. Their interactions form the emotional and narrative core of the film, creating a palpable tension that rarely lets up.

The screenplay, adapted by Michael Arlen Ross from the 2019 Argentine thriller 4×4, successfully modernizes the story while maintaining the claustrophobic intensity of the original. Yarovesky’s direction ensures that the SUV itself becomes a character, a technologically fortified trap that is as clever as it is terrifying. The film thrives on its minimalist setting, proving that sometimes confinement can produce maximum suspense.

While the story is tightly contained, the film never feels static. Each moment is crafted to heighten anxiety, making the viewer acutely aware of every beep, lock, and hesitation inside the car. This careful attention to detail underscores the psychological horror elements, making Locked more than a mere thriller—it is a study in fear, control, and human desperation.

Locked premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and was released in U.S. theaters on March 21, 2025. Produced by Sam Raimi, among others, it demonstrates a mastery of tension and character-driven storytelling. Though the film’s box office gross of $4.1 million may seem modest, its impact is amplified on streaming platforms like Disney+ and Hulu, where audiences can savor the slow-burn terror in the comfort of their own homes.

In the end, Locked succeeds as a psychological thriller not because of lavish effects or sprawling locations, but because of its ability to trap both its protagonist and audience in an unrelenting, suspenseful game. For those craving a tense, character-driven thriller, this film is a must-watch.

Rating: 4/5

Don’t miss the suspense watch Locked now on Disney+ or Hulu and experience the ultimate psychological thriller!

Q1: What is Locked about?
A: Locked is a psychological thriller about a petty thief, Eddie Barrish (Bill Skarsgård), who breaks into a luxury SUV only to find himself trapped in a deadly game orchestrated by the car’s owner, William (Anthony Hopkins).

Q2: Who directed Locked?
A: The film was directed by David Yarovesky, known for his work on Brightburn.

Q3: Who are the main stars of Locked?
A: The film stars Bill Skarsgård, Anthony Hopkins, and Ashley Cartwright.

Q4: Is Locked an original story?
A: Locked is a remake of the 2019 Argentine thriller 4×4, adapted by screenwriter Michael Arlen Ross.

Q5: When was Locked released?
A: Locked premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2024 and was released in U.S. theaters on March 21, 2025.

Q6: Where can I watch Locked?
A: The film is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

Q7: What makes Locked different from other thrillers?
A: The film stands out for its claustrophobic setting, psychological tension, and intense character dynamic between Eddie and William, making the SUV itself a central “character.”

Q8: How was Locked received by critics?
A: Critics praised the performances of Skarsgård and Hopkins, as well as the film’s suspenseful, single-location storytelling.