UNLOCKED

Title: Unlocked – A Smartphone-Based Thriller Coming to Netflix

Unlocked, directed by Kim Tae-joon, is a new thriller movie coming soon to Netflix. The film is based on a Japanese novel by Akira Teshigawara, which follows Nami (Chun Woo-hee), a young woman who loses her smartphone on a bus while intoxicated. Unfortunately, it is picked up by a serial killer named Jun-yeong (Im Si-wan), who uses it to invade and destroy Nami's life. At the same time, detective Ji-man (Kim Hee-won) pursues Jun-yeong's case to stop him from committing another crime.

Although the victim vs. killer vs. detective premise may seem clichéd, Unlocked stands out due to its focus on smartphones. These days, people are addicted to their phones, which contain everything from their social calendars to their private photos. The idea that someone could gain access to this information and use it to destroy your life is terrifyingly relatable, making the premise of the movie instantly engaging.

Furthermore, the use of smartphones helps with characterization. Nami is an ordinary person, lacking any tragic backstory or significant aspirations. Nevertheless, this aspect makes her relatable to viewers, who can easily imagine themselves in her situation. As a result, the audience becomes invested in Nami's plight.

However, the film's execution suffers due to some plot holes. While the movie provides good justification for why Nami cannot launch a cyber investigation immediately, it fails to address other logical inconsistencies. For example, Ji-man discovers the killer's house and evidence within the first half-hour, which raises questions as to why he doesn't just apprehend the culprit.

Furthermore, the killer's illogical behavior also harms the film's credibility. Jun-yeong leaves fingerprints and other biological evidence at the scenes of his crimes, and attacks a victim without wearing a mask. While some of the plot holes are forgivable, they can detract from the viewing experience.

Overall, Unlocked is a well-shot and well-acted thriller that still manages to unsettle viewers by demonstrating how easily someone's life can be ruined through a smartphone. However, a tighter script could have made the movie even more enjoyable.

Overall, while Unlocked has its flaws, it still manages to deliver an engaging and unnerving experience, thanks to its relatable premise and focus on the dangers of smartphones. Chun Woo-hee delivers a solid performance as the protagonist Nami, and Im Si-wan brings a chilling presence to his role as the serial killer Jun-yeong. The film is well-shot and well-acted, but ultimately suffers from plot holes and illogical behavior from its characters.

Despite these issues, Unlocked is still worth a watch for fans of the thriller genre, especially those who are looking for a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of our constant reliance on smartphones. With a tighter script and more attention to logical consistency, this movie could have been a standout entry in the genre. As it stands, it's a flawed but still enjoyable film that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

While Unlocked may have some flaws in its execution, it still manages to be a compelling thriller that taps into the fear of smartphone privacy invasion. The film's focus on the dangers of our reliance on technology is relatable and serves as a cautionary tale. The premise is also enhanced by the solid performances from the lead cast, especially Im Si-wan, who portrays the ruthless killer with a chilling intensity.

However, the film's plot holes and inconsistencies do detract from the overall experience. While some may not mind or notice them, others will find it difficult to ignore. The lack of attention to emotional elements and relationships also leave some character motivations and actions feeling underdeveloped or unbelievable.

Despite these issues, Unlocked still manages to be an engaging and thought-provoking film that explores the dangers of technology and the invasion of privacy. It may not be perfect, but it still offers an entertaining and suspenseful ride for those who enjoy a good thriller.