Locked Down 2021

Comedy

Romance

Box Office

$347K

Runtime

118 min

Language

English

Directed by

Doug Liman

Made by

HBO Max

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Locked Down (2021). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

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.

During a conversation, Linda reveals a tantalizing detail: a £3 million diamond secured in Harrods, which has been sold to an anonymous buyer, while a duplicate version is kept on site. Together, the couple devises a plan to steal the authentic diamond and send the replica to the buyer in New York City, intending to split the proceeds with the National Health Service.

Upon their arrival at the store, they successfully execute the switch—retrieving the genuine diamond and replacing it with the counterfeit. However, their plan hits a snag when they encounter Donald, played by Mark Gatiss, a former colleague of Linda’s whom she had been forced to dismiss just days before. Donald, having overheard their scheme and learning about Paxton’s assumed identity, threatens to alert the authorities. In a twist of fate, Linda reveals their intentions, and Donald surprisingly agrees to keep their secret.

As they navigate this precarious situation, Paxton and Linda begin to rethink their choices and potential future together. However, just as things seem to settle, the government announces an extension of the lockdown by another two weeks, leaving them to reassess their lives and connection amidst the unfolding drama.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Locked Down (2021) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

COVID-19 Lockdown Begins

In London, the COVID-19 pandemic leads to a nationwide lockdown. This unprecedented situation forces citizens to adapt to new limitations in their daily lives, impacting personal relationships and career trajectories.

London

Paxton's Job Struggles

Paxton, portrayed by Chiwetel Ejiofor, faces significant challenges as he is limited to working as a delivery truck driver. His frustration mounts as he reflects on the past ten years since his arrest, which severely hindered his career prospects.

Linda's Career Situation

Linda, played by Anne Hathaway, navigates her role as a CEO of a marketing firm. With her company unable to operate fully during lockdown, she seeks to clear out inventory from a fashion installation at Harrods, closed to the public.

Harrods, London

Coinciding Delivery Schedules

In a twist of fate, Paxton and Linda's delivery schedules align at Harrods. This overlap complicates their relationship as Linda's security protocols prevent Paxton from easily accessing the store.

Harrods, London

The Diamond Revelation

During a serious conversation, Linda reveals an intriguing detail about a £3 million diamond secured at Harrods. She informs Paxton that while a duplicate has been sold to an anonymous buyer, the original rests safely in the store.

Harrods, London

Planning the Heist

Inspired by the diamond's potential value, Paxton and Linda devise a cunning plan to steal the authentic diamond. Their idea involves replacing it with the counterfeit version and sending the original to New York City for the buyer.

Executing the Switch

The couple arrives at Harrods to execute their heist. In a tense moment, they successfully retrieve the genuine diamond and cleverly replace it with the replica, albeit with heightened nerves about being caught.

Harrods, London

Encounter with Donald

Their plan takes an unexpected turn when they encounter Donald, a former colleague of Linda's. After overhearing parts of their scheme, Donald threatens to expose them, putting their entire operation at risk.

Harrods, London

Donald's Surprising Agreement

In a surprising twist, Linda decides to reveal their intentions to Donald. Instead of alerting the authorities, he shockingly agrees to keep their secret, complicated further by their shared history.

Harrods, London

Rethinking Life Choices

As Paxton and Linda navigate the implications of their theft, they begin to reevaluate their relationship and future together. The stress of their actions forces them to confront deeper issues about their life choices.

Government Extends Lockdown

Just when Paxton and Linda think they have secured their happiness, the government announces an extension of the lockdown by another two weeks. This development forces them to reassess their relationship and plans.

London

Consequences of Action

With new challenges arising due to the extended lockdown, Paxton and Linda are faced with the repercussions of their heist. The uncertainty of their future looms larger, casting doubt on their initial excitement.

Facing Reality

Amid the changing circumstances, Paxton and Linda must confront the reality of their situation. The theft, their motivations, and the future of their relationship come under intense scrutiny during this vulnerable time.

Final Decisions

As the lockdown and their relationship evolve, Paxton and Linda face a pivotal moment in their lives. They must decide whether to pursue their plans or come clean about their actions as they weigh the implications.

Characters

Explore all characters from Locked Down (2021). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Paxton

Paxton, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor, is a man grappling with the fallout of his past decisions during a complicated lockdown. Frustrated by his limited job prospects, he finds himself at a crossroads, entangled in an impulsive heist that forces him to reassess his life and relationships. His character embodies determination despite setbacks, reflecting the struggle for redemption.

🧑‍🦱 Protagonist 😔 Frustrated

Linda

Linda, portrayed by Anne Hathaway, is a savvy CEO confronting the repercussions of a world in lockdown. Driven and resourceful, her character reveals both ambition and vulnerability as she navigates her professional responsibilities while rekindling her relationship with Paxton. She represents the balancing act many faced between career demands and personal connections during this time.

👩‍💼 Ambitious ❤️ In love

Donald

Donald, played by Mark Gatiss, is a former colleague of Linda's, adding an unexpected twist to the couple's heist plan. His character embodies the complications of past workplace relationships, presenting both a threat and an ally. Through his interactions, the tension escalates, highlighting the moral dilemmas faced by those involved in the secretive scheme.

👔 Antagonist 🕵️‍♂️ Opportunist

Setting

Learn where and when Locked Down (2021) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

2020

The movie unfolds during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a time marked by global uncertainty and dramatic lifestyle changes. Lockdowns instituted across the world reshaped work, relationships, and public interactions, showcasing the challenges people faced in maintaining connections amidst isolation. This period is pivotal as it pushes the characters to confront their relationships and aspirations.

Location

London, Harrods

London serves as the bustling backdrop for this story, embodying the heart of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. The iconic Harrods, a luxury department store, adds tension to the narrative, being central to the couple's daring heist. Known for its upscale inventory, it represents both opulence and the stark contrast of a city in lockdown.

🏙️ City 🏬 Shopping

Themes

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💔

Relationships

At its core, the film explores the complexities of relationships under pressure. Paxton and Linda's strained dynamic reflects the struggles many faced during the pandemic, prompting reevaluation of love and commitment. The unexpected heist becomes a metaphor for taking risks in life and love, highlighting the importance of partnership in adversity.

🦠

Pandemic Impact

Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the movie delves into how the crisis reshapes daily life and interaction. The lockdown symbolizes both confinement and the chance for self-reflection, pushing characters to confront their past choices and futures. It illustrates the relentless impact of global events on personal lives.

💎

Heist

The film features a gripping heist narrative, centered around a £3 million diamond. This scheme adds a thrilling layer to the plot, introducing themes of ambition and morality. As Paxton and Linda navigate their plan, it raises questions about ethical choices in pursuit of wealth, especially in challenging times.

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