Locked

At the end of Locked, Eddie manages to break free from William’s psychological and physical torment after deactivating the car’s kill switch, which causes the vehicle to crash. Throughout their ordeal, Eddie learns that William’s violence is rooted in his desire for revenge for his daughter’s death—she was accidentally shot by a robber years earlier, and William blames society and himself for her loss. William’s actions are driven by grief and anger, rather than justice, and he uses his power to inflict pain on others, believing it restores some balance. However, Eddie’s cunning and street smarts give him the edge: he taunts William about his tragic past, which sparks enough emotion for Eddie to use the car’s controls against him. With William incapacitated and the vehicle crashing, Eddie escapes just in time and reunites with his daughter, Sarah, reaffirming their bond and promising never to leave her again. The ending emphasizes that Eddie’s love and his understanding of William’s pain allow him to choose mercy over revenge, leading to his escape from the cycle of violence. This resolution provides a sense of closure, contrasting with the more ambiguous ending of the original film 4×4, where the antagonist’s death and the unresolved societal commentary leave a more open-ended impression. In Locked, the father-daughter reunion signifies hope, forgiveness, and the power of compassion, illustrating that even in a bleak world, kindness can prevail over revenge. The film’s focus on character connections and the moral choices made by Eddie highlight the importance of empathy and understanding in breaking the cycle of violence. The stark differences between the endings reflect the filmmakers’ different approaches to storytelling: Locked opts for a more definitive and emotionally satisfying conclusion, while 4×4 leaves its ending open to interpretation, ultimately challenging viewers to question notions of justice and morality.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44