Locks

Ryan Coogler's Locks communicates through silence. Themes about identity, discrimination, African-American experience, self-esteem, family, and societal expectations are articulated and expressed. In light of the George Floyd and BLM movement, it feels timely.

In many ways, Locks feels gritty with its amateur and raw aesthetic, befitting the tone this film strives for. In many ways, Locks feels like a precursor to Fruitvale Station and Coogler's future work.

Technically, Locks is amateurish yet promising. Its direction maintains a sombre tone with a gritty and raw aesthetic. The cinematography consists of natural lighting, framing, close-ups, and angles.

The editing consists of closeups, crosscuts, and inserts, and smoothens the pace. The accurate production design brings a sense of tangibility and accentuates the aesthetic look. While minimal, the sound consists of silence, ambient sounds for an atmospheric soundscape.

The casting, despite lacking fame and star power, still fits the material and brings a sense of humanity to it. The minimal effects foreground the grounded aesthetic of urban Oakland. Overall, Locks is a promising short film that harkens forward to Ryan Coogler's future works.

Writing: 8/10

Direction: 8/10

Cinematography: 8/10

Acting: 9/10

Editing: 7/10

Sound: 6/10

Score: 6/10

Prod Design: 9/10

Casting: 7/10

Effects: 4/10

OVERALL SCORE: 7.2/10