The Netflix magic
Locke & Key is one of those shows that have been in development hell for some time. Original planned out as a film produced by Steven Spielberg, the now show was passed upon twice before Netflix does what they do best which is take it and make it their own. Locke & Key is very similar in style and audience to many other Netflix series but instead of sci-fi monsters, murderers or hell we now have magic.
The series, based off the comic book series of the same name, follows the Locke family who moves to Keyhouse after their father is killed by a student at the kid’s school. Keyhouse is the father’s family estate which is filled with hidden secrets. The three Locke kids, Tyler, Kinsey and Bode begin to find keys that have magical abilities. In the process, the kids also find an enemy of the Lockes and someone who wants the keys for themselves.
I’ll admit its not the easiest show to convince someone to watch by explaining the plot to them. Think of the show as Harry Potter meets A Series of Unfortunate Events and then add a little Netflix teen drama in there to mix it all up. Locke & Key places itself on the Netflix scale below Stranger Things but above Riverdale and on par with Sabrina if you give it the time and effort.
There is, unfortunately, a lot to unpack and the show actually treats the viewer as someone who can connect the dots. Whilst normally series like Locke & Key are usually filled with too many scenes explaining what is going on, Locke & Key focuses simply on what is happening and moving forward…magic exists and it’s because of these keys and just keep watching.
At times Locke & Key can become predictable, especially towards the latter half of the season but overall has enough surprises to keep you entertained. The series’ style and production design are just what you would expect of a Netflix series, it’s high quality and the visual effects really aid in building the world the series is set in. Never does anything feel out of place and Keyhouse actually looks like a place you would get easily lost in.
Netflix has made a bit of a risk making the show as I can easily see why the usual network TV channels passed on the show. Locke & Key is certainly best being binged and wouldn’t be as engaging if it were released weekly. The ending of episodes are sudden and well done, making the auto-play next episode feature work to the show’s advantage.
The three Locke kids are what really make the series worth watching. The three main actors Connor Jessup (Tyler), Emilia Jones (Kinsey) and Jackson Robert Scott (Bode) really steal the show and make the most out of a plot which is awkward to explain. The series could have easily sounded ridiculous but instead, you believe the peril and excitement in each character’s voice.
Netflix has managed to save and make the very most out of an opportunity that many other companies have passed on. Whilst Locke & Key is a risky choice, Netflix has worked it’s magic yet again to make yet another teen drama series that’s worthy of a weekend binge. Locke & Key still retains some of the horror from its comic book origins but now focuses more on the story and the great relationship between the Locke kids, your next set of favourite Netflix characters.