Movies You Slept On

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Exploring Themes of Class and Control in ‘Locked’ and ‘The Assessment’

Locked

(2025)

Directed by David Yarovesky

Starring: Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins

An engaging take on a timeless theme: class disparity and the divide between those who observe from the outside and those trapped within their circumstances.

Eddie Barnish (Bill Skarsgård) is a struggling thief, desperate to build a better life for himself and his daughter but constantly held back by systemic barriers. Success is always just out of reach—he can’t afford to fix his van, yet he needs the van to make money.

One day, in an attempt at petty theft, Eddie stumbles into a high-stakes trap set by the enigmatic William (Anthony Hopkins). What begins as a simple break-in escalates into a psychological nightmare, as Eddie finds himself locked inside an SUV, subjected to William’s mind games and twisted sense of justice.

“I just want to introduce you to a little taste of hell.”

– William

What follows is a relentless battle of endurance, with Eddie facing both physical and psychological torment. The film delves into morality, ethics, justice, and class struggle—examining what it means to be imprisoned, both literally and figuratively.

Skarsgård fully embodies Eddie’s desperation, carrying the emotional weight of a man at rock bottom, forced to prove his resilience, ingenuity, and will to survive. Hopkins, largely unseen for most of the film, delivers a chilling performance through voice alone—his presence looming ominously until his eventual reveal, which more than lives up to the slow-burning dread.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its performances, particularly the tense dynamic between Skarsgård and Hopkins. However, the story itself, while engaging, doesn’t break new ground. The themes are familiar, and while the execution is strong, the dialogue and core narrative don’t bring much originality to the table. That said, the film is well-paced, visually gripping, and ultimately a thrilling ride—thanks in no small part to Skarsgård’s gripping performance.

The Assessment

(2025)

Director: Fleur Fortune

Starring: Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, and Himesh Patel

A striking exploration of parenthood, control, and the innate human desire for legacy, The Assessment follows Mia (Elizabeth Olsen) and Aaryan (Himesh Patel), a couple subjected to an intense evaluation by government-appointed assessor Virginia (Alicia Vikander). The purpose? To determine whether they are fit to become parents. But beneath the surface, the test is far more insidious.

Set in a sleek, high-class dystopia, this world grants the right to reproduce only to those who pass an assessment. The couple’s patience and emotional resilience are put under the microscope as Virginia employs unorthodox, often unsettling methods—at times mimicking childlike behavior—to gauge their responses.

The film thrives on its performances. Vikander is mesmerizingly unnerving, while Olsen counters with a bold, defiant presence, making it difficult to choose a standout between the two. Much like Locked, the strength of The Assessment lies in its leads, but here, the cinematography and direction elevate the film even further, crafting a visually precise and emotionally charged atmosphere.

“Assessment is a rigorous process. With a high threshold for success.”

– Virginia

Beyond its focus on parenthood, the film subtly tackles surveillance, societal hierarchy, and government overreach. At its core lies a disturbing question: Who gets to have children? And why? The film forces viewers to consider just how much control a governing body should have over reproduction, echoing real-world debates on bodily autonomy and state intervention.

Despite its surreal, futuristic setting, The Assessment feels eerily relevant. It presents an exaggerated reality, yet its themes resonate deeply in today’s political climate. The film lingers in the mind, unsettling in its implications—because, at its core, it’s not as far-fetched as it seems.