If an individual were to suggest a high-stakes thriller film where all the action unfolds inside a moving vehicle, you might think they’re referencing Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock’s efforts to avert a bus disaster in “Speed” (1994). Alternatively, you might consider Liam Neeson’s train-focused “The Commuter” (2018). Given that the lead character converses on the phone for nearly the entirety of the film, you may envision Colin Farrell’s “Phone Booth” (2002), although the protagonist doesn’t move around much in that story. It’s not “Speed,” “The Commuter,” or “Phone Booth,” the Tom Hardy feature available for free on YouTube, but “Locke,” a low-budget 2013 British drama that had a limited theatrical release yet remains one of the standout pieces of Hardy’s filmography.
The movie boasts an impressive cast, featuring Olivia Colman, Ruth Wilson, Andrew Scott, Tom Holland (prior to becoming Sony and Marvel’s Spider-Man), and Ben Daniels supporting Hardy’s performance. It’s Hardy who anchors the entire film since he is the sole character we see. All of “Locke” centers on Ivan Locke, who faces a succession of life-changing scenarios across 36 hands-free phone calls during his drive to London.
This is a well-known Hardy we’re observing. By the time “Locke” was released, Hardy had already starred in Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” (2010) and “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012). He portrayed Bane in the latter, a notorious Batman adversary. In simpler terms, if you attended a screening of “Locke,” it’s likely you did so because of Hardy’s presence.
What takes place in Locke
Whether you experienced the film in theaters or not, you can revisit it for free on the YouTube Movies & TV channel, although ads will be included. Nevertheless, that could be an excellent option, especially while aimlessly browsing through streaming services looking for something captivating. “Locke” will have you on the edge of your seat, eager to uncover what will occur next as you try to anticipate the character’s decisions.
Writer/director Steven Knight places us inside the car with Locke right from the beginning, as he engages in phone conversations. We don’t witness where he started, and it takes some time before we discover his destination. What we do know is that a type of emergency circumstance has emerged in his life, compelling him to either escape his former existence or confront a potentially disruptive situation. It’s evident that Ivan Locke has secrets to keep.
However, Hardy isn’t portraying a fugitive criminal or a spy thrust back into action to fulfill a critical mission. Ivan Locke is an everyday individual, employed as a construction manager, with a typical family (a wife and two children). He also grapples with a dilemma that some may consider commonplace. Locke had a one-night encounter while working away, and the consequences of that night are directly linked to his choice, jeopardizing everything about his otherwise ordinary life. He’s in a rush to tackle it, while also needing to confess to his wife and ensure his job remains intact for the next day. Without giving away the film’s storyline, it’s important to highlight Locke’s professional responsibilities. He’s set to oversee one of Europe’s largest concrete pours the following day, yet he has chosen to absent himself.
Why they created Locke
“Locke” garnered nearly $5.20 million at the box office, approximately double its production budget. This represents a box office achievement, albeit limited. Additionally, Hardy received a Los Angeles Film Critics Association award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ivan Locke; however, these figures suggest that not a large audience viewed the film in theaters, notwithstanding its quality. The film holds a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the Popcornmeter at 72%. On IMDb, it has a 7.1/10 average rating.
Watching “Locke” for free on YouTube in 2026 merits consideration for another reason. The film exemplifies what was achievable in cinema back in 2013. Particularly, you’ll want to take note of the cinematography in a nighttime car environment. Hardy is present in almost every scene, all shot in low-light conditions. Knight sought to capture digital video at night and pondered if it was feasible to create a whole movie focusing on a character within a car. That’s how “Locke” came to be, with the writer/director sharing with The L.A. Times that he aimed to depict the “most ordinary man in the world,” situated in an extraordinary setting.
Knight and his crew towed a BMW around London, filming the movie over eight nights. The car lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto capabilities; however, hands-free calls are made using the vehicle’s built-in infotainment system. The 36 calls were authentic, as