Director David Yarovesky Discusses High-Octane Thriller Locked – Interview

Locked Director David Yarovesky on cinematic thrills and A-list stars.

From producer Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Drag Me to Hell) comes Locked, a relentless horror-thriller where luxury turns lethal. Directed by David Yarovesky, the film stars Bill Skarsgård as Eddie, a car thief who unwittingly becomes trapped in a high-tech SUV designed as a deadly prison by William, a vengeful vigilante played by Anthony Hopkins. As Eddie fights for survival, Locked delivers an intense, claustrophobic ride that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Ahead of the film’s theatrical release, I had the chance to speak with Yarovesky about crafting the film’s unique tension, shooting in a confined space, and working with two powerhouse actors.

A Film Designed for the Big Screen

Despite its intimate setting inside a single vehicle, Yarovesky emphasized that Locked was always envisioned as a cinematic experience. “We’re not a big movie,” Yarovesky admitted. “A lot of people told us early on that this would be a great streaming film. But Sam [Raimi] was adamant, asking me, ‘How are you going to shoot this for a theater?’ So we made a film that benefits from being seen on a big screen. It’s a cinematic movie. We did a lot of the stunts for real, and you really feel it.”

Crafting Suspense in a Confined Space

Keeping the audience engaged within the tight quarters of a car was a challenge Yarovesky tackled with innovative cinematography. “We’ve seen contained thrillers before,” he said. “I wanted to take a fresh approach, to show audiences things they hadn’t seen before. We used dynamic camera techniques, including a continuous shot where the camera moves around the car, utilizing a rig that allowed us to create a seamless, immersive effect.”

One particularly striking shot involves the SUV speeding through a parking garage. “We mounted one camera on the outside of the car and another on the inside, separated by glass. By stitching them together, we created a panoramic view that made the audience feel like they were in the car with Eddie. We avoided CGI as much as possible and used practical effects, which is something I admire about filmmakers like Peter Jackson.”

Designing the High-Tech SUV

The vehicle itself, dubbed “Dolus,” is more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right. “We wanted it to feel real, not futuristic,” Yarovesky explained. “I studied companies that armor cars, turning them into protective cages. Even the smallest details matter—like the thick, layered glass in the windows. The car’s name, ‘Dolus,’ means ‘deceitful trap’ in Latin. The license plate is a reference to the penal code for the death penalty. And the emblem features Lady Justice. It’s all designed as a warning, but only for those who recognize the signs.”

Bill Skarsgård and Anthony Hopkins: A Clash of Titans

With two powerhouse actors at the helm, Locked thrives on the chemistry between Skarsgård and Hopkins. “Their respect for each other was incredible,” Yarovesky said. “Anthony was so invested—he called me every night to discuss his character. Bill, on the other hand, brings a natural charisma that makes you believe every second of his performance. He carries the entire movie on his shoulders, blending vulnerability with a sharp wit that keeps the tension balanced.”

The energy on set was electric, particularly on days when Skarsgård and Hopkins shared scenes. “There was one day in particular where we captured something truly magical. I whispered to each actor separately, encouraging them to push each other. Every take was better than the last. The crew could feel it—we knew we were witnessing something special.”

Could Locked Spark a Franchise?

With its blend of high-stakes action, psychological tension, and technological horror, Locked has the potential to expand beyond a single film. “This world is rich with possibilities,” I suggested to Yarovesky. “Could we see more high-tech traps like this in the future?” He smiled. “Sign me up. That would be great.”

With Locked now in theaters, audiences can experience the pulse-pounding thriller for themselves—an edge-of-your-seat ride where justice is inescapable, and survival is anything but guaranteed.

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