Netflix's International Sensation: James Bond Actor Shines in Psychological Thriller

Article Overview

The new Netflix movie Locked In is currently the top title on the streaming service's charts despite being largely unheard of.

The plot revolves around a woman afflicted with locked-in syndrome as she delves into the enigma surrounding her injury.

The newly released Netflix film, Locked In, has quickly claimed the top spot on the streaming service's Top 10, despite not being well-known. This gripping thriller, which premiered on November 1, tells the story of a woman suffering from locked-in syndrome, a condition that leaves her paralyzed, as she unravels the mystery of her own injury. The talented cast features Famke Janssen, renowned for her role as Xenia Onatopp in the 1995 James Bond film GoldenEye, alongside Rose Williams, Alex Hassel, Finn Cole, and Anna Friel. Locked In marks the feature-length debut of director Nour Wazzi, with a screenplay written by Rowan Joffé.

In just five days, Locked In has skyrocketed to the number one spot on Netflix's Global Top 10. During the week of October 30 to November 5, this film captivated viewers for a total of 28.8 million hours and garnered an impressive 17.8 million views, clearly making it the most-watched title on Netflix during this period. Alongside Locked In, another lesser-known title, Herself, a Sundance film from 2020, managed to secure the tenth position on the list.

How Is Locked In Being Received?

Due to its limited exposure beyond Netflix, there is a scarcity of feedback available online for the movie Locked In. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently only has four reviews from accredited critics, which is insufficient to generate a score. Digital Mafia Talkies' Pramit Chatterjee aptly describes the critical response as "Locked In is yet another unremarkable Netflix thriller." Benjamin Lee from the renowned publication The Guardian expresses, "Instead, Locked In is a film you regret not having stopped watching sooner."

Locked In has a duration of 97 minutes.

Ready Steady Cut's Lori Meek offered a more favorable perspective on the new Netflix film, stating that "Locked In" is reminiscent of the type of made-for-TV thrillers typically found on Lifetime on a Friday night. However, she clarifies that this isn't necessarily a negative aspect. Out of the 17.8 million overall views received by "Locked In," only a small fraction of individuals aged 50 and above contributed ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, resulting in a 23 percent audience score. Surprising the public by claiming the number one position on Netflix's Global Top 10, "Locked In" may potentially maintain its prominence and dominate the charts in the forthcoming weeks.

Source: Netflix

Editor's P/S

1. In my opinion, the movie "Locked In" has the potential to be a captivating psychological thriller, largely due to the intriguing premise of a woman suffering from locked-in syndrome as she investigates the mystery surrounding her injury. The inclusion of the renowned James Bond actor, Famke Janssen, also adds a level of excitement and anticipation for fans of the franchise. The fact that the movie has quickly risen to the top of Netflix's charts, despite being relatively unknown, is a testament to the strong interest and curiosity it has generated among audiences.

2. However, the limited critical reviews available suggest that the movie may not live up to its full potential. The lack of a substantial number of reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as the mixed feedback from critics, raises some concerns about the overall quality of the film. The criticism that it resembles a made-for-TV thriller found on channels like Lifetime may disappoint viewers expecting a more refined and compelling cinematic experience. Despite these concerns, the movie's strong viewership numbers indicate that it has resonated with a significant portion of the audience. Whether "Locked In" can maintain its position on Netflix's Top 10 charts and continue to dominate in the coming weeks remains to be seen.