In the realm of horror cinema, where the line between the mundane and the macabre is often blurred, 'Lockbox' stands as a peculiar example of a film that fails to capture the essence of its intriguing premise. Based on the Knifepoint Horror Podcast story 'Winthrop', the film follows Ellen (Carla Gugino) as she takes in her traumatized cousin, Winthrop (Lou Taylor Pucci), seeking solace in a rural town after the death of her mother. The story revolves around an entity that takes an interest in Winthrop, and Ellen's efforts to protect him from this dangerous otherworldly force. However, what makes 'Lockbox' particularly intriguing is the concept of using someone else as a vessel to trap the demon, an idea that, in theory, could have been a fresh and captivating twist on the classic possession tale. But, in practice, it falls flat, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment and a lingering question: why didn't this work?
One of the main issues with 'Lockbox' is its reliance on mystery and the lack of stakes. The story is stretched out, with writers Soren Narnia and Justin Yoffe struggling to maintain the tension and intrigue of the original podcast format. As a result, the film often feels like it's going in circles, with characters taking much longer to figure out what's happening than the audience. This leads to a sense of disengagement, as viewers are often ahead of the characters, making the experience feel sluggish and lacking in energy. The pacing is a significant problem, with the film constantly playing catch-up, and the audience is left feeling like they're on a ride at a much slower speed than intended.
The characters in 'Lockbox' are also a significant issue. Carla Gugino, a talented actress, is given the heavy lifting, with her Ellen character being the focal point of the film. While her commanding presence is impressive, the lack of stakes and the underdeveloped supporting characters make it difficult for viewers to care about her investigation. The other characters, such as Katharine Isabelle's neighbor, feel underutilized, with Isabelle's role being reduced to providing creepy moments and jump scares. The revelation regarding her character is also colossally stupid, further diminishing the film's credibility.
The technical side of 'Lockbox' is, however, impressive. The production value is decent, and the underlighting, while potentially squinting-inducing, doesn't feel as egregious as the trailer suggested. But the CGI can be hit or miss, with some impressive moments and others that look silly. The 'digitally enlarged mouth' gag, which has become a trend in horror, also takes me out of the film, as it can look creepy once but becomes lame when overused.
In my opinion, 'Lockbox' could have worked as a podcast, with its weak story beats being sustainable through the audio-only format. But as a movie, the plot holes are too apparent, and the characters are too thin. The world-building is practically non-existent, and the film fails to establish a coherent and engaging narrative. While the concept of trapping demons in an actual person has potential, it simply doesn't work for this film. The lack of originality and the reliance on familiar horror tropes leave viewers feeling disappointed and questioning the film's purpose.
In conclusion, 'Lockbox' is a film that fails to live up to its intriguing premise. While the technical aspects are impressive, the story, characters, and pacing are significant weaknesses. The film leaves viewers feeling underwhelmed and questioning the potential of its concept. Perhaps, in a different format or with a different approach, 'Lockbox' could have been a captivating horror tale. But as it stands, it's a film that fails to capture the essence of its intriguing premise, leaving a sense of disappointment in its wake.
