Review of Unlocked (2023)

Review of Unlocked (2023):

An Intriguing Premise Marred by Lackluster Execution

Unlocked, the latest South Korean thriller to hit Netflix, boasts an exciting premise but falls short in its execution. Directed by Kim Tae-joon, this film is an adaptation of the Japanese novel by Akira Teshigawara and stars Chun Woo-hee and K-Pop sensation Yim Si-wan.

The story follows Na Mi (Chun Woo-hee), a marketer working part-time at her father's café. After a night of partying, she leaves her phone behind on a bus, only for it to be picked up by Oh Jun Yeong (Yim Si-wan), who becomes obsessed with her and inserts himself into her life using spyware installed on her phone. Meanwhile, detectives Ji Man (Kim Hee-won) and Jung Ho (Jeon Jin-oh) investigate a brutal murder and discover clues implicating Ji Man's estranged son, Jun Yeong, as the killer.

Despite its promising setup, Unlocked suffers from a disjointed narrative that fails to fully engage the audience. The character development is lacking, particularly for Na Mi, leaving the viewer with little investment in her fate. Furthermore, the killer's motivations are unclear, leaving the audience to question the plausibility of his actions. At times, the film feels like a Korean version of the American TV show You before devolving into senseless chaos.

Despite its flaws, Unlocked does have some strengths. Yim Si-wan delivers a standout performance as the unhinged killer, and the chemistry between him and Chun Woo-hee makes for a compelling cat-and-mouse game. Kim Hee-won's portrayal of Ji Man, a father struggling with his duty to the law and his desire to protect his son, is another bright spot in the film.

Overall, Unlocked has an intriguing premise and some strong performances, but it ultimately fails to deliver a satisfying thriller experience.

At times, the film feels like it's trying to juggle too many plotlines, leaving some threads unresolved and the overall narrative feeling incomplete. Additionally, the pacing is uneven, with some scenes feeling rushed and others dragging on for too long.

One area where Unlocked excels is in its cinematography. Director Kim Tae-joon has a keen eye for visually striking compositions, and the film's use of smartphone footage to showcase Na Mi's daily life is a clever touch.

Despite its flaws, Unlocked may still appeal to fans of the thriller genre, especially those interested in the burgeoning South Korean film industry. The film's strong performances and stylish visuals make it worth a watch, even if it falls short of its potential.

In conclusion, Unlocked offers an intriguing premise that unfortunately falls short in its execution. While it has some strong performances and visually impressive scenes, the uneven pacing, unresolved plotlines, and lack of character development ultimately leave the audience feeling unsatisfied.

That being said, Unlocked still has some redeeming qualities. Yim Si-wan's performance as the deranged killer is a standout, and the chemistry between him and Chun Woo-hee adds an element of tension and intrigue to the film. Similarly, Kim Hee-won's portrayal of a conflicted father and detective is a compelling subplot that could have been explored further.

The film's use of smartphone footage is also a clever touch, offering a unique perspective on Na Mi's life and adding to the film's overall visual appeal.

"Unlocked" has an intriguing premise and a talented cast, but the film ultimately fails to live up to expectations. Yim Si-wan's performance is chilling and compelling, and Kim Hee-won's portrayal of a father torn between his duty and protecting his son is a highlight of the film. However, the film's execution lacks coherence and doesn't spend enough time developing characters and resolving loose narrative ends.

Overall, while Unlocked may not be the thrilling ride that some viewers were hoping for, it still has enough strengths to make it worth a watch. Fans of the thriller genre and South Korean cinema may find something to enjoy here, even if the execution leaves something to be desired.