Locke

Locke (2013)

Concise Summary:

Ivan Locke, a dedicated construction foreman, risks his entire life – his career, family, and future – by making a series of urgent phone calls while driving to London. Over the course of a single night, he attempts to right a past mistake and accept an unforeseen responsibility, as his meticulously constructed world unravels around him, all from the confined space of his car.

Detailed Plot (Movie Story):

The film Locke is a unique cinematic experiment, playing out entirely within the confines of a single vehicle over one fateful night. The central character is Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy), a highly disciplined, meticulous, and seemingly unshakeable construction foreman. As the film begins, Locke finishes his shift at a construction site in Birmingham, where he has meticulously prepared for the largest concrete pour in European history, scheduled for the very next morning. This pour is a culmination of months of his hard work and planning, a massive undertaking that could define his career.

However, instead of driving home to his family in Croydon to watch a crucial football match with his sons, Locke makes an unexpected and life-altering decision. He gets into his BMW X5 and begins driving south towards London. The entire narrative unfolds through a series of phone calls Locke makes and receives via his car's hands-free system as he drives. We never see the people he speaks to, only hear their voices, forcing the audience to rely entirely on Locke's reactions and dialogue to understand the unfolding drama.

Locke's first call is to his wife, Katrina (voiced by Olivia Colman). He attempts to explain his sudden departure, telling her he won't be home for the football match and that he's going to London. Katrina, confused and upset, presses him for details, but Locke is evasive, only hinting at an urgent and unavoidable matter.

Next, he calls Donal (voiced by Andrew Scott), his trusted subordinate at the construction site. Locke informs a stunned Donal that he will not be present for the concrete pour the next morning, essentially abandoning his immense responsibility. He then proceeds to meticulously guide Donal through the complex logistics of the pour, providing precise instructions and troubleshooting potential problems, demonstrating his profound knowledge and unwavering commitment to his work, even as he walks away from it. Donal is distraught and struggles to comprehend Locke's inexplicable decision.

The core reason for Locke's journey is revealed through a series of increasingly tense phone calls. Seven months prior, while working on a project in London, Locke had a one-night stand with a colleague, Bethan (voiced by Olivia Colman, though a different voice or perhaps an intentional blurring given the intimacy). Bethan is now in labor prematurely, having gone into early labor at 32 weeks, and she is giving birth to Locke's child. Locke, despite the shock and the complete disruption to his life, feels an overwhelming sense of responsibility to be present for the birth of his child, a decision rooted in his own difficult childhood. He reveals that his own father abandoned him, and Locke is determined not to repeat that pattern, even if it means destroying his current life.

As the night progresses, Locke navigates a whirlwind of escalating crises, all unfolding in real-time through his phone conversations:

• Katrina's Anger and Despair: His wife, Katrina, becomes increasingly distraught and angry as she slowly pieces together the truth. Her initial confusion turns to fury and betrayal as she realizes he's left her for another woman who is giving birth to his child. The emotional weight of her heartbreak and anger is palpable, as Locke tries to explain his rationale, knowing his marriage is irrevocably breaking.
• Donal's Struggle: Donal struggles immensely to take over the massive concrete pour. He faces unforeseen logistical problems, issues with delivery trucks, and skepticism from other contractors. Locke calmly guides him, demonstrating his mastery of his profession, even as the stakes get higher and his absence becomes more critical. The tension on the phone calls with Donal highlights the immense financial and reputational risk of the abandoned pour.
• Bethan's Labor: Locke is constantly on the phone with Bethan, offering words of encouragement and trying to gauge her progress. Her pain and vulnerability are conveyed entirely through her voice, making Locke's determination to reach her more urgent. He makes promises to her and the unborn child, grappling with the profound shift in his life.
• The Company's Response: Locke also receives calls from his employers, who are in disbelief and furious about his sudden disappearance from the site. They threaten legal action and demand explanations, but Locke stands firm, acknowledging the professional consequences but prioritizing his personal mission. He is resolute in his decision, even if it means professional ruin.

Throughout the film, Locke also engages in internal monologues, addressing his deceased father. He speaks to his father about his own choice to be present for his child, contrasting it with his father's abandonment. These soliloquies reveal the deeper psychological motivations behind his drastic actions and his unwavering commitment to breaking the cycle of paternal absence.

The film's tension builds as Locke races against time, not just to reach London before the birth, but also to resolve the crises he has ignited. The visual monotony of the highway is contrasted by the intense emotional and professional drama unfolding through his dialogue.

The climax of the film revolves around the birth of the child. Locke successfully arrives at the hospital, and Bethan gives birth to a healthy baby boy. The final phone call is with Bethan, hearing the baby's cries, confirming his presence and the profound shift in his life.

The film ends with Locke driving away from the hospital, the early morning light beginning to break. His marriage is shattered, his career is likely ruined, but he has fulfilled his personal commitment. The final shot implies a profound sense of both loss and quiet resolve, leaving the audience to ponder the consequences of his actions and the complex morality of his choices.

Cast:

• Tom Hardy as Ivan Locke (the only on-screen character)
• Olivia Colman as Katrina (voice)
• Ruth Wilson as Bethan (voice)
• Andrew Scott as Donal (voice)
• Ben Daniels as Gareth (voice)
• Tom Holland as Eddie (voice)
• Bill Milner as Sean (voice)
• Danny Webb as Cassidy (voice)1

Crew:

• Director: Steven Knight
• Writer: Steven Knight
• Producers: Guy Heeley, Paul Webster
• Music by: Dickon Hinchliffe
• Cinematography: Haris Zambarloukos
• Editor: Justine Wright
• Production Company: Shoebox Films
• Distributed by: Lionsgate (UK), A24 (US)