The Locksmith is a 2023 American crime thriller about an ex-con who is trying to go straight. However, things take a tumultuous turn after an unexpected disappearance.
Directed by Nicolas Harvard – making his feature directorial debut – from a screenplay written by Joe Russo and Chris LaMont, based on a story by Blair Kroeber.
The Buffalo 8 Productions-Golden State Films production stars Ryan Phillippe as Miller Graham, with Kate Bosworth, Ving Rhames, Jeffrey Nordling, Gabriela Quezada, Madeleine Guilbot, Noel Gugliemi and Charlie Weber.
Plot synopsis:
Miller (Ryan Phillippe), an ex-con recently released from prison for a bungled robbery, tries to walk a straight line and work his way back into the lives of his ex, Beth (Kate Bosworth), a police detective, and their young daughter.
While Miller is doing his best to stay on the straight and narrow with the help of an old friend (Ving Rhames), he finds his past will not stay in the past, and he is forced to commit one last crime before he can truly walk away. Things once again go badly, and now not only his freedom but also his daughter’s life, hang in the balance…
Reviews:
“The Locksmith is a smaller film, without major dramatic firepower, but it delivers a proper sense of alarm with the lead character and his bad habits, and director Nicolas Harvard (making his helming debut) keeps things compelling, managing turns of plot and suspenseful confrontations. He also pulls a semi-interesting performance out of Ryan Phillippe, who does surprisingly well with his take on dented nobility.” 3.5 out of 5, Blu-ray.com
“The action scenes are not done well, but the acting is not bad for such a lifeless and familiar crime story that offers nothing fresh to unlock. As for the falling star, Ryan Phillippe, his role in this so-so B-film probably will not help him get back to starring roles in better films.” Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
” …the plot of The Locksmith, with its various betrayals and hidden alliances, ultimately feels rushed isn’t necessarily an issue, because the movie does have its mind on developing these characters and relationships. The downside is that, in its later rush toward providing that plot, the characters and relationships do get pushed off to the side, as well.” 2.5 out of 4, Mark Reviews Movies
“If The Locksmith offers anything new, it’s in neutering the genre. There’s a femme fatale in all this, but seduction is not her speciality or a part of her scheme. Phillippe’s character is never motivated by anything resembling amour fou or even lust; he’s solely interested in reconstructing the family he lost.” 2 out of 5, RogerEbert.com
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Release:
In the US, The Locksmith will be released by Screen Media theatrically in select locations and On-Demand (VOD) on February 3, 2023.
Filming locations:
Las Cruces, New Mexico
