Skip to main content

Locke (2013)

Locke is about a construction manager who makes a few phone calls during a midnight drive to a certain destination.

Steven Knight took a lot of risks in writing and directing a movie like this. Because it's a single location film the direction can take a few steps back and rely on the acting and storytelling. It was good that the film was able to keep the attention of the audience when the idea is so basic. He made construction site drama actually interesting. This sort of writing makes me excited for his next movie World War Z 2. I kinda hope that's not the title but whatever.

Tom Hardy is the only person you see throughout the film and it's his expressions and behavior that really sell him as the lead only actor. Sure there are voiceovers for people that he's talking to, including Tom Holland. The frustration he has when dealing with work and the calmness that he musters during the conversations he has with his son are just spot on. The surprising thing is that Hardy only spent six days on set to film the movie and each shot was in a single take. I doubt there are many actors out there that could pull off a film like this in only one take.

There's a movie that just released a trailer coming out that stars Tom Hardy and has Tom Holland in it called Venom and it reminded me that this film also had those two. Even if the trailer isn't up to stuff at least this film will rest your mind on Hardy being a good actor. Side note, did you know that Hardy chose to do this film in exchange for Knight being the writer of Hardy's show Taboo?

Result: B+ (While other people might get bored because there are no explosions, the film stands on its own two legs)


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Iron Lung (2026)

Iron Lung (2026) is a contained sci fi horror film set almost entirely in one confined space, built around tension, isolation, and curiosity more than outright scares. The movie leans into claustrophobia and atmosphere over shock value. It feels closer to Pandorum than a traditional horror film. Knowing it is not a big budget production makes it easier to forgive some of its rough edges. Markiplier is  known primarily as a major YouTube creator and voice actor in projects like First  Nights at Freddy’s . He is the writer, director and star of the film. Carrying a one room film is not easy, especially without classical acting training, but he does a pretty good job. His performance is committed and focused, and he understands how to hold attention on himself without constant visual change. As a director and writer, he shows promise, especially with pacing and mood. Troy Baker , well known for voice roles in The Last of Us and BioShock Infinite , appears in the film, though...
Post a Comment
Read more

fjord (2026)

Fjord is written and directed by Cristian Mungiu , best known for 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days and Graduation , and features Sebastian Stan and Renate Reinsve . This film is about a lot of things, but at its core, it follows a family trying to get their children back after they are wrongfully taken by child protective services. Along the way, the story explores faith, religious persecution, cultural differences, resistance to change, and the importance of community. There are plenty of political interpretations that viewers can take from the film, but I think Mungiu does something more interesting than simply taking one side or the other. The film can be interpreted as pro-immigration and pro-LGB, while also being pro-Christian and supportive of traditional family values. Rather than forcing the story into one ideological corner, Mungiu allows these ideas to coexist, creating a film that encourages viewers to consider perspectives they might otherwise dismiss. I appreciate that ap...
Post a Comment
Read more

Clayface (2026)

Clayface is a body horror movie set in James Gunn's DC Universe, and it ended up being a pleasant surprise for me. I grew up watching Batman: The Animated Series on Saturday mornings, so I remember Clayface and his strange, monster-like appearance. I had no idea going in that this movie would draw inspiration from the show, which made that connection all the more enjoyable. The animated series leaned more into noir, while this film feels closer to Joker mixed with the body horror of David Cronenberg . Director James Watkins , best known for Speak No Evil , brings that same unsettling energy and deliberate direction to this film. He also makes the smart choice of keeping the camera on his actors long enough for their performances to do the work, specifically Naomi Ackie and Tom Rhys Harries . Tom Rhys Harries gets the benefit of that approach, with the camera giving him room to carry his scenes without constantly cutting away. That decision suits the movie's more intimate...
Post a Comment
Read more