Locke

Set in present-day Britain, the story unfolds with a cinematic sense of immediacy and routine work culture. The night-time drive and hospital scenes reflect contemporary professional and family dynamics. The events are grounded in modern technology and social expectations rather than historical context.

Set largely along a highway corridor between Birmingham and London, the film captures the grit of modern industrial Britain. Key locations include a massive concrete pour at a European-scale facility and the London maternity ward where Bethan's labor unfolds. The urban environment underscores the pressure of duty against personal life as Locke drives through the night.

💼 Duty

Locke's obsession with completing the pour and honoring his responsibilities drives the plot. The film explores how professional obligations can overwhelm personal life, pushing a man to make morally ambiguous choices. The tension arises from balancing a demanding career with fragile family ties, and the fear of failing those who depend on him.

💔 Infidelity

A past affair and an unexpected pregnancy haunt Locke as he drives, forcing a reckoning with guilt and consequences. The narrative examines trust, accountability, and the strain on a marriage when secrets surface. It raises questions about what a person owes to their partner and whether redemption is possible after betrayal.

🗣️ Communication

The film unfolds in real time through 36 phone calls that reveal relationships, power dynamics, and vulnerability. Each conversation exposes different facets of Locke’s character and the fragility of human connections. Dialogue becomes the engine of tension as Locke remains physically isolated inside the car.