After nearly six months of hype surrounding Sandra Bullock’s near solo performance in “Gravity” comes a more realistic, quieter turn for Tom Hardy to lead on-screen by himself in Steven Knight’s “Locke.” In the recent trend of movie characters stuck in one location the entire film trying to get out of a predicament, “Locke” fits right in. Much like “Gravity” and “All is Lost” were tour-de-forces for Bullock and Robert Redford, “Locke” is Tom Hardy’s time to shine, though the film is less heart racing and more intellectually intriguing. The film is the English character actor’s first film since “The Dark Knight Rises” two years ago, and screenwriter Knight’s second film directorial effort.
On the eve of his Birmingham construction company signing a deal to supervise a concrete pour for a building, manager Ivan Locke (Hardy) skips his job obligation to drive across the country to London to be with a former one night stand, Bethan (Olivia Colman), while she gives birth to his child. Up until now Ivan had kept their fling a secret, but has had a sudden wave of sympathy toward her. Throughout the long drive, Ivan makes a number of calls to his estranged son Eddie (Tom Holland), concerned yet neglected wife Katrina (Ruth Wilson), and co-workers Donal (Andrew Scott) and Gareth (Ben Daniels). While calling and driving, Bethan’s labor pains become greater and Donal becomes too tipsy and incompetent to follow Ivan’s instructions.
Primarily a writer for most of his career, Knight is best known for his work on films “Dirty Pretty Things” and “Eastern Promises,” as well as the successful UK series “Peaky Blinders.” “Locke” is only Knight’s second effort as director. His first, “Redemption,” was underwhelming last year, but “Locke” is a step in the right direction. With the intriguing plot device of keeping Hardy in his moving vehicle the entire 85 minutes of the film and dealing with his problems all through the car phone, this could be a memorable and unique piece – almost like a slower, British take on “Run Lola Run.”
Those who are fans of Hardy will appreciate his one man show, as it is his finest hour as a lead since “Bronson” six years ago. Unfortunately, what could have been suspenseful falls flat with some basic dialogue and a tired relationship trope for the protagonist. Hardy’s Ivan is on the road for a whole night, yet we the audience are not on the edge of our seats as maybe we should be. “Locke” is an interesting concept on paper, but the execution on screen has a lot left to be desired.
mbianco@durangoherald.com. Megan Bianco is a movie reviewer and also contributes other entertainment related features and articles.
