Unlocked

Unlocked

Year: 2017

Runtime: 98 min

Language: Korean

Director: Michael Apted

ActionDramaMysteryThriller

CIA agent Alice Racine is forced into exile in London after a traumatic experience in Paris, where she is reassigned as a caseworker. Her mentor, Eric Lasch, summons her back into service, launching her on a desperate race against time to avert a catastrophic attack. With her intelligence compromised and numerous lives at risk, Alice must team up with ex-soldier Jack to stop a looming biological threat and prevent disaster from striking London.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Unlocked (2017) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Unlocked (2017), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Alice Racine, a therapist at a London Community Center, leads a solitary life in her quiet apartment. However, her past reveals a darker truth: she was once a skilled interrogation officer with the CIA, haunted by the memory of a catastrophic mission in Paris that claimed countless lives. Driven by a desire for redemption, Alice regularly consults with MI5 Intelligence Chief Emily Knowles about the possibility of returning to the field. Her former mentor, Eric Lasche, urges her not to dwell on her past mistakes, emphasizing that she still has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

The tension escalates when Alice discovers that Islamic extremist [Yazeed Khalil] is collaborating with convert [David Mercer] to stage a biological attack on an American target in Britain. Meanwhile, MI5 operatives capture Khalil’s courier, Lateef, under the orders of CIA chief [Bob Hunter]. [Frank Sutter] manipulates Alice into assisting in the interrogation of Lateef, which leads her to uncover critical intelligence linking the attack to Mercer. As Alice begins to expose the truth, she realizes that Sutter may have ulterior motives and is being used as a pawn in a larger game.

In a desperate bid to escape danger, Alice warns Lateef about the impending threat, but chaos ensues, resulting in Lateef’s death. A brutal attack on Lasche’s home further complicates her situation as she witnesses his murder. Finding refuge in a hotel with the help of a burglar, whom she later identifies as Jack Alcott, Alice reluctantly teams up with him. Their partnership begins to blossom as they meet with Alice’s friend and former patient, Amjad.

Alcott and Racine manage to locate Khalil, who reveals that he has renounced his extremist views. However, a shocking betrayal unfolds as Alcott’s true intentions are revealed, leading to a gripping confrontation involving a pit bull and a desperate struggle for survival. Amjad’s brave intervention creates an opportunity for Alice to escape, but the danger is far from over.

As Alice joins forces with Knowles to confront Mercer’s plans, the stakes rise when it becomes clear that one of their own, sniper [John Wilson], is a double agent. After a series of harrowing events, including a tragic loss for Alice when Amjad is killed, the final confrontation takes place in a warehouse connected to a planned attack at a football stadium.

In a race against time, Alice fights to thwart the biological attack orchestrated by Wilson and Sutter. Ultimately facing Lasche in a showdown, she narrowly prevents disaster, turning the tide against those who wronged her by saving countless lives. Amidst the chaos, Alice finally gets her chance for vengeance against Mercer, avenging Amjad’s death with a swift and brutal act of justice.

With her return to the field affirmed, Alice is presented with the opportunity to serve once more, symbolizing her path toward healing from the demons of her past.

Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:32

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Unlocked?

Still wondering what the ending of Unlocked (2017) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

The movie “Unlocked” ends with a tense climax that reveals the true identity of the stalker and the devastating consequences of his actions. It turns out that the man behind the hacking and killings isn’t Ji-man’s son, Jun-yeong, as initially suspected, but an unidentified, unregistered victim who has been living without official documents his entire life. This man, having no legal identity, used his lack of registration to hide and manipulate others to satisfy his psychotic need for control and destruction. His primary motive seemed to be chaos and the complete destruction of Nami’s life, but his actions also exposed the dark issues of statelessness and social invisibility in South Korea.

In the final moments, the stalker attempts to kill Nami’s father, Ji-man, by forcing Nami to drown him in a bathtub. However, Ji-man manages to survive with the help of Jeong-oh, whom he resuscitates, while Nami, overwhelmed by grief and rage, shoots the stalker in a desperate act of self-defense. The stalker remains unconscious but alive, and the police arrest him, discovering that he has no official identity, emphasizing his status as a stateless person. This unresolved aspect suggests that his life as an invisible, forgotten individual might continue beyond the film’s end.

The film’s conclusion highlights that the true horror was not just the physical violence but also the terrifying invasion of privacy and the erosion of trust in everyday life. It underscores how technology, when misused, can turn our most private details into dangerous weapons. Through Nami’s ordeal, the movie explores themes of vulnerability in the digital age, the importance of trust, and the devastating impact of social invisibility. Despite her traumatic experience and loss, Nami finds a sense of catharsis and hope in the end, symbolized by her act of courage that finally stops the perpetrator and allows her to take control of her life again.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00

Unlock the Full Story of Unlocked

Don't stop at just watching — explore Unlocked in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Unlocked is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Unlocked Timeline

Track the full timeline of Unlocked with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Unlocked Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Unlocked

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Unlocked. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Unlocked

Unlocked Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Unlocked? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Unlocked Ending Explained

More About Unlocked

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Unlocked: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Unlocked

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