Locked Away is a gripping and emotionally charged psychological thriller directed by Daniel Ringey. The film revolves around the life of a successful psychiatrist, Dr Elizabeth "Liz" Jordan (Jean Louisa Kelly), who seemingly has it all - a thriving career, a beautiful house, a supportive husband, and two loving children. However, things take a dark turn when Liz's troubled teenage patient, Heather (Kirsten Zien), accuses her of sexual assault.
Heather, who suffers from severe depression and has a history of self-harm, alleges that Liz took advantage of her during a therapy session. Liz vehemently denies the accusations and insists that Heather is lying. The investigation into the matter reveals that Heather has a vast collection of self-inflicted wounds and is prone to fabricating stories to attract attention. Nonetheless, the allegations are enough to ruin Liz's reputation and career, and she finds herself fighting to clear her name.
As the story unfolds, it becomes evident that there is more to Heather's accusations than meets the eye. Liz's husband, Drew (Jake Thomas), a former criminal defense attorney, takes up his wife's case, and the couple discovers that Heather may have ulterior motives for accusing Liz of assault. Drew's investigations reveal a web of lies, manipulation, and deception, and Liz finds herself trapped in a labyrinth of accusations and suspicion.
Locked Away is a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, deception, and the human condition. The film masterfully captures the dynamics between the central characters and their emotions, motivations, and fears. The film also offers a stark commentary on the dangers of false accusations and the impact they can have on a person's life.
The performances by the lead cast members are exceptional, with Jean Louisa Kelly delivering a standout performance as the tormented protagonist. Kirsten Zien is equally impressive in her portrayal of the troubled teenager with a dark past, while Paula Trickey shines as the no-nonsense detective investigating the case. Jake Thomas adds depth and nuance to the character of Drew, a man struggling to reconcile his moral compass with his legal expertise.
The film's cinematography is sleek and polished, with the use of lighting and color motifs elevating the tension and suspense. The score by Sean Murray is haunting and atmospheric, adding to the film's overall sense of unease.
In conclusion, Locked Away is a complex and intriguing film that explores difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance. The film is a testament to the power of storytelling and the talent of its cast and crew. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in psychological thrillers and courtroom dramas.
Locked Away is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.
