"Locked Away: The Unforgettable Franchise on Netflix"
- Netflix's series' triumph stems from its engaging narrative and production quality.
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Make way for the new king on the Netflix throne! A British miniseries has stormed its way up the charts, dethroning the big-name "Yellowstone" spin-off "1883" just weeks after its March 13, 2025 release. "Locked Away" has captured the hearts of critics, earning a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, no small feat! On IMDb, this series produced by Hollywood heavyweight Brad Pitt (61), among others, boasts an impressive 8.4 out of 10 rating.
A Haunting Tale at Its Core
Here's the skinny on "Locked Away": 13-year-old Jamie is grabbed out of his bedroom, accused of the brutal murder of a classmate. On the case is criminal psychologist Briony Ariston, who navigates the investigation alongside the police. While they work on solving the crime, Jamie's family starts falling apart at the seams.
It's not just the plot that sets "Locked Away" apart, though. Each episode is shot in one continuous take, without a single cut, in real-time. Given that many viewers have expressed feeling sucked into the action and overwhelmed by this approach, it's clear that this style of storytelling is a winner.
More Than a Gimmick
But viewers don't think this style is just a trick up the scriptwriters' sleeve. They're praising the story, which one user on Netflix's German Instagram page referred to as "unbeatable for depth." One viewer even went so far as to compare the series to the storied works of Ken Loach (88), the undisputed king of British social realism.
"A Must-Watch for Any Parent"
Spoiler alert: By the end of the first episode, it's obvious that Jamie did commit the murder. But the focus isn't on the whodunnit, it's on the why. None of the answers are served on a silver platter, according to viewers.
"Locked Away" tackles tough issues that affect teens and parents alike, like cyberbullying and the influence of firebrand influencers like Andrew Tate (38) on young people's self-image and views of women. "This show is a masterpiece, and I can't recommend it highly enough, especially for parents (especially those with sons!)", wrote one viewer on Instagram.
Critics also gave major props to the acting, with many calling for awards for up-and-comer Owen Cooper (15). Veteran actor Stephen Graham (51), best known for "Snatch" and the "Venom" films, also received high marks for his portrayal of Jamie's desperate father.
Enrichment Data:
A Cinematic Marvel
Critics have lauded "Locked Away" as a cinematic masterpiece, applauding its gripping narrative, powerful performances, and innovative storytelling style. The show's one-shot technique, helmed by director Philip Barantini, adds to the show's intensity and realism without feeling like a cheap gimmick. The masterful execution of these long takes sets the benchmark for technical innovations in television, boosting the emotional impact of the scenes.
Masterful Performances
The cast, particularly Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper, has been showered with praise for their outstanding performances. Graham's portrayal of a working-class father struggling to cope with his son's actions has critics predicting awards season gold.
Addressing Current Issues
"Locked Away" fearlessly tackles contemporary issues like toxic masculinity, incel culture, and the effects of social media on youth. Critics sing its praises for the way it addresses these issues without being preachy, making it a powerful tool for sparking conversations about these critical topics. This thoughtful exploration of societal ills is considered a key strength, elevating the series beyond mere entertainment to something significant and impactful.
Resonating with Audiences
While specific audience reactions are not extensively detailed in the search results, the general consensus among critics suggests that "Locked Away" will likely resonate with viewers due to its intense and thought-provoking nature. The show's ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seats, even while its subject matter is challenging, underscores its powerful storytelling.
- I'm not gonna let you go, this captivating series has refuses to release its grip on viewers and the critics, even after the credits roll.
- The adolescence of a 13-year-old boy, Jamie, overshadows his family life amidst the backdrop of a haunting tale of a classmate's murder in the Netflix's number one show, "Locked Away".
- Amidst the praise for the innovative one-shot technique and gripping narrative of "Locked Away", the performances of Stephen Graham and up-and-comer Owen Cooper have received acclaim comparable to those on the silver screen, with IMDb ratings toping the charts.
