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Romantic comedy

Locked Down (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Locked Down (2021) movie poster

Locked Down is a 2021 romantic comedy directed by Doug Liman, starring Anne Hathaway as Linda, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Mark Gatiss. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $346,899 worldwide on a $10 million budget. Critics gave it 41% on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10.

IMDb rating
5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
41%
worldwide gross
$346.9K
Echo Score
51
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Locked Down (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 58m (118 min)
Director
Doug Liman
Genres
Comedy , Romance
Original language
English
Studio
HBO Max
Budget
$10M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Locked Down About?

The premise of Locked Down without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

When a citywide lockdown separates them, newly estranged couple Linda and Paxton are unexpectedly forced to spend time together again. As they navigate the complications of coexisting, they find themselves confronting their past and reconsidering their future. The unusual circumstances spark an unexpected tender reconnection, offering them a second chance at love and a renewed understanding of each other.

Locked Down Themes & Keywords

· 27 tags
  • pandemic
  • year 2020
  • london england
  • hedgehog
  • covid 19 pandemic
  • video call
  • motorcycle
  • zoom call
  • reciting poetry
  • reference to dh lawrence
  • bandana
  • reference to sturgis south dakota
+15 more
  • harrods department store
  • reference to t.s. eliot
  • diamond
  • piranha
  • triumph motorcycle
  • scene during end credits
  • making bread
  • reference to edgar allan poe
  • 21st century
  • 2020s
  • caper crime
  • f word
  • no opening credits
  • no title at beginning
  • reference to star wars
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Cast & crew

Locked Down Cast & Characters

Anne Hathaway leads the cast as Linda, with Chiwetel Ejiofor as Paxton and Mark Gatiss as Donald. Directed by Doug Liman; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

Locked Down Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Locked Down 41% on Rotten Tomatoes and 42 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 51/100, strongest in art & craft (65) and weakest in rewatch factor (40).

51 /100

Locked Down Echo Score Breakdown

The overall Movie Echo Score reflects a mixed reception where commendable performances and visual touches coexist with structural shortcomings. Critics and many viewers note Hathaway and Ejiofor’s chemistry as a highlight, yet the transition from intimate drama to heist narrative often feels disjointed. Pacing issues and underdeveloped setpieces contribute to a sense of unfulfilled potential. In summary, the film presents intriguing elements but does not fully cohere into a compelling whole.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 65

    In terms of Art & Craft, the film presents measured visual experimentation amid a limited production environment. The split-screen sequences introduce a fresh visual rhythm, and the confined kitchen setting is captured with clean framing. However, restrained editing choices and a utilitarian production design occasionally diminish visual dynamism. Overall, the film’s aesthetic ambition is evident yet constrained.

  • Character & Emotion 55

    When it comes to Character & Emotion, the leads deliver nuanced performances that elevate the central relationship. Hathaway and Ejiofor convey moments of genuine warmth and credible tension through naturalistic dialogue and subtle expressions. At the same time, the protagonists’ unlikability and rapid tonal shifts in their dynamic limit deeper emotional resonance. Ultimately, the film offers competent acting but uneven character engagement.

  • Story & Flow 40

    In terms of Story & Flow, the narrative oscillates between relationship drama and a heist plot in a manner that can feel discordant. The pacing often slows in extended dialogue scenes, and the final heist lacks the inventive suspense expected from the genre. Although the contemporary setting offers timely context, inconsistent plot coherence undermines overall engagement. Consequently, the story generates sporadic interest but remains uneven.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    When evaluating the Sensory Experience, the film maintains a subdued auditory and visual ambience throughout. The soundtrack is unobtrusive, supporting mood without memorable motifs, and sound design largely remains functional. Visually, the use of split-screen and natural light creates a cohesive atmosphere, though it seldom ventures beyond subtle experimentation. In sum, the sensory elements are serviceable but rarely striking.

  • Rewatch Factor 40

    Regarding Rewatch Factor, the film’s appeal diminishes after the initial viewing due to its pacing inconsistencies and narrative shortcuts. While moments of quick dialogue and visual framing may retain some interest, many sequences lack the depth or surprise needed for repeated engagement. Occasional strong performances provide fleeting replay value. Overall, the film offers limited incentive for multiple viewings.

Plot

Locked Down Plot Summary

What happens in Locked Down from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 14 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Paxton and Linda, a couple struggling with their relationship during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in London, find themselves in an extraordinary situation. Paxton, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, grapples with frustration over his limited job prospects, forced to work as a delivery truck driver since a past assault arrest had derailed his life ten years ago. His discontent grows as he faces a bleak future.

Meanwhile, Linda, played by Anne Hathaway, serves as the CEO of a marketing firm and is eager to clear out inventory from a fashion installation she arranged at Harrods, which is now closed to the public. As fate would have it, their delivery schedules at the iconic store coincide, complicating matters since Linda’s security measures would prevent Paxton from getting through.

Full summary

The whole story of Locked Down, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Locked Down Box Office & Budget

Locked Down grossed $346,899 worldwide on a $10 million budget.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$346.9K

International
$346.9K
Budget
$10M
Videos

Locked Down Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer, 1 clip and 1 behind-the-scenes video.

Official Trailer
  • Clip Full Movie Preview
  • Behind the Scenes BTS Sizzle
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Locked Down?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What city is the setting for the film?

Cars

Cars in Locked Down

35 cars on screen, including the 2016 BMW 7 G12 and the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906.

All 35 cars
  • 2016 BMW 7 G12 in Locked Down 2016 BMW 7 G12 Important role
  • 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 in Locked Down 2008 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter W906 Important role
  • 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC in Locked Down 2020 Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC Important role
  • 2009 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 in Locked Down 2009 Alexander Dennis Enviro400 Minor role
Details

Locked Down Also Known As

20 alternative titles, including “Lockdown” and “락다운”.

Also known as
  • Lockdown
  • 락다운
  • Карантин
  • Confinados
  • Локдаун
  • 락 다운
  • Confinamento
  • Akıllı Soygun
  • Skazani na siebie
  • 封锁
  • 封城之後
  • Confinement
+8 more
  • Piespiedu izolācijā
  • Karantén meló
  • Užrakinti
  • قرنطینه
  • ล็อกดาวน์
  • בסגר
  • În izolare
  • ロックダウン

Seen Locked Down?

FAQ

Locked Down FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Locked Down, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Locked Down?

Locked Down runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).

When was Locked Down released?

Locked Down was released on January 14, 2021.

Who directed Locked Down?

Locked Down was directed by Doug Liman.

More films by Doug Liman

Who is in the cast of Locked Down?

Locked Down stars Anne Hathaway as Linda, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Paxton and Mark Gatiss as Donald, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Locked Down make at the box office?

Locked Down grossed $346,899 worldwide on a budget of $10 million.

How is Locked Down rated?

Locked Down has 5.3/10 on IMDb, 41% on Rotten Tomatoes, 42 on Metacritic and 52% on TMDB.

Does Locked Down have a post-credit scene?

No. Locked Down has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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