Unlocked Review
In an age where technology has become an indispensable part of our lives, the movie "Unlocked" raises thought-provoking questions about the potential dangers lurking within our ever-connected world. Directed by Tae-joon, this Netflix thriller presents a gripping narrative that revolves around the intertwining of technology and human lives. As we navigate through the digital chaos of apps and social media, the film takes us on a suspenseful journey filled with unexpected twists and revelations.
The story centers on Lee Nami, a marketer at a startup company, who becomes the victim of a smartphone-related crime. Nami's misadventure begins when she accidentally leaves her phone on a bus while inebriated. A young man finds her phone and embarks on an unsettling journey of identity theft and manipulation. He tries to unlock the device using the information he gathered from Nami's social media profiles, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game. The film delves into themes of stalking, technology's dark side, and the consequences of our digital age.
As the plot unfolds, we are introduced to Detective Ji-Man, who is investigating a series of gruesome murders in a remote forest. The discovery of vials of plant food near the crime scenes adds a layer of mystery to the investigation. Ji-Man's personal life is also explored, revealing a strained relationship with his son, Jun Yeong. When Ji-Man begins to suspect his own son's involvement in the crimes, the story takes a chilling turn.
The film masterfully builds tension as it explores the complex dynamics between characters. Nami forms an unlikely friendship with Oh Jun-Yeong, a stranger who shares her interests. Meanwhile, Ji-Man's relentless pursuit of his son and the truth behind the murders adds a sense of urgency to the narrative. "Unlocked" is not just a thriller but also a commentary on society's increasing reliance on technology. It highlights the risks and vulnerabilities that come with our digital dependencies.
While "Unlocked" offers a thrilling experience, it falls short in terms of character development. Some supporting characters, including Nami's father and her best friend, remain underexplored. The relationships between these characters lack depth, which hinders the audience's emotional connection with them. Ji-Man and Jun-yeong's strained relationship could have been portrayed more effectively, but the focus leans heavily on generating suspense and shock.
Chun Woo-hee's portrayal of Nami and Yim Si-wan's performance as the psycho stalker are convincing and engaging. They bring their characters to life and contribute to the film's overall effectiveness.
"Unlocked" is a captivating watch, especially if you can overlook its predictability. It caters to the Netflix audience seeking an entertaining and suspenseful experience that doesn't require deep contemplation. While the film attempts to avoid predictability, it inadvertently sacrifices character development. The lack of motive for the antagonist parallels the aimlessness of social media scrolling, shedding light on the lack of purpose in our digital lives.
In an era where social media allows us to interact and connect with others, "Unlocked" serves as a stark reminder of the fine line between being a fan and crossing into the territory of creepy stalking. It raises the question of whether people will become more cautious about their online presence after witnessing the potential consequences of oversharing.
"Unlocked" may not unlock its full potential in terms of character depth, but it successfully explores the dark side of technology, leaving viewers with a lingering sense of unease about the digital world we inhabit.