The film’s screenplay interweaves elements of family drama and crime thriller, resulting in a somewhat predictable narrative. Much of the dialogue feels derivative and often unintentionally humorous, revealing a superficial grasp of the world it portrays.
The characters in the film lack authenticity, sounding more like archetypes crafted by a writer inspired by crime thrillers than genuine individuals. Kate Bosworth stands out as the film’s primary asset, though she seems destined to appear in mediocre projects despite her considerable acting talent.
Kate Bosworth shines in a gritty world of flawed characters (Photo: The Locksmith/Buffalo 8 Productions and Golden State Films)For those drawn to redemption arc films and thrillers that emphasize aesthetic grittiness, the film’s plot unfolds as follows. Be warned, as spoilers are included in the following summary!
The Locksmith (2023) Movie Summary & Plot Synopsis:
Miller Graham (Ryan Phillippe) embarks on a robbery with his friend Kevin, targeting a cash house. Recognized for his locksmith skills, a corrupt police detective named Zwick (Jeffrey Nordling) assigns Miller to the job. They arrive at the location in Zwick’s car, and Miller prepares to take the cash. At the last moment, Kevin hesitates.
Despite Kevin’s change of heart, Miller commits to their plan. Utilizing his expertise, he completes the task quickly. Unfortunately, law enforcement is alerted to a potential robbery, placing them in jeopardy.
Zwick betrays them, seeking to ensure their arrest for his own gain and subsequently receiving a promotion. As sirens wail, Kevin exits, mistakenly believing Zwick is on their side. However, Zwick shoots at the car and then Kevin, positioning himself as a hero. Shortly after, Miller exits the store and is arrested for theft.
Fast forward ten years, Miller is released from prison, grappling with guilt for failing to support his family—his wife, Beth (Kate Bosworth), and daughter, Lindsay. He catches a ride from Frank (Ving Rhames), who offers him a locksmith job and temporary accommodation.
During a lunch with Beth and Lindsay, Miller seeks to make amends, acknowledging how his actions affected them and claiming he robbed for their benefit.
In the intervening years, Beth has established herself in the police force, rendering her financially independent of Miller. Consequently, she is reluctant to reintegrate him into their lives, fearing he may abandon them again.
Noticing his distress, Frank advises him to exercise patience and focus on mending his family relationships. Later, during a job, he encounters Garret, the local rental property manager, who has heard of Miller’s locksmithing skills from April (Kevin’s sister).
What did Alice want from Miller after ten years?
Back at Frank’s place, Alice meets with Miller, urgently requesting his assistance to obtain money due to her desperate situation. However, since the job is illegal, Frank urges Miller to avoid it and prioritize reconciling with his family.
Shortly after, Zwick approaches Miller, discussing his retirement and the circumstances that led to his rise in the ranks. Zwick warns Miller to remain silent about the past, or risk imprisonment once more.
Seeing tools in Miller’s car, Zwick and his corrupt associates take him to the police station. Fortunately, the police chief releases him since he wasn’t using the tools.
However, Beth witnesses the incident and wishes to shield their family from further distress. To uphold his dignity in the eyes of Beth and Lindsay, Miller resolves to undertake any legitimate work.
As Zwick retires, he offers Beth his vacant position, which she finally accepts after consideration. She asks Miller to care for Lindsay while she attends Zwick’s retirement party, and he agrees.
Later, Beth shares her intention to take the Vice position, unaware of the true events surrounding the robbery. Zwick observes their interaction, subtly encouraging Beth to rely on subordinates and remain oblivious to his involvement in the crime.
In a subsequent meeting at his workshop, Alice expresses her urgent need for funds to escape Garret’s influence. She reveals that Garret’s real estate operation serves as a cover for his escort business, in which she also participates.
Although Miller initially refuses to engage in illegal activities, April guilt-trips him by blaming him for Kevin’s death. Consequently, he agrees to break into Garret’s poker game and steal money.
Meanwhile, Beth investigates prostitution cases tied to properties owned by Garret, uncovering the insidious activities he orchestrates with law enforcement’s assistance. As Miller prepares for the heist with April, who plans to disappear with the stolen money, he dons a mask for the operation.
Family drama meets crime thriller in this tale of broken trust (Photo: The Locksmith/Buffalo 8 Productions and Golden State Films)On the night of the break-in, Miller enters the establishment while April distracts Zwick. He successfully unlocks the office and retrieves the cash, only to be confronted by Zwick, who attempts to intervene.
Miller gains the upper hand, aiming his weapon at Zwick and threatening him, which eventually forces him to flee the scene with the money. At his workshop, Miller attempts to contact April, but his calls go unanswered.
When he visits her apartment, he finds her belongings scattered. At the same time, Beth receives a visit from Tanya, who reveals she worked alongside April as an escort for Garret. Tanya confirms that April has vanished and mentions seeing Miller at her place, further validating Beth’s suspicions regarding Garret’s illicit dealings.
Later, Frank confronts Miller about the bag of cash he possesses, questioning the motives behind his actions for April. Miller explains that he undertook the job out of concern for her safety, prompting Frank to criticize his decision to engage in such risky behavior.
Meanwhile, Beth approaches Miller, seeking insights into his potential involvement in criminal activities. Their conversation shifts to nostalgic memories, rekindling their feelings for one another.
At the police station, Beth presents her findings about Garret to Chief Stern, who initially dismisses the evidence as unreliable due to its origin but eventually encourages her to pursue it. That night, Miller confronts Garret to inquire about April’s whereabouts.
Through brutal interrogation, he uncovers Zwick’s involvement. April witnesses the altercation from Zwick’s car, revealing her own agenda for vengeance against Zwick for her brother’s murder. Immediately after Miller leaves, Zwick executes Garett.
Beth becomes increasingly frustrated with Miller’s reluctance to disclose information regarding the robbery. Eventually, he reveals Zwick’s role in orchestrating the crime and Kevin’s death, prompting Alice to advocate for using this information as evidence.
Meanwhile, Zwick instructs his associates to reclaim their money from Garret. However, the police have gathered sufficient evidence to implicate Zwick, heightening his sense of paranoia regarding his safety and causing him to refuse April’s request for assistance, which incites her fury.
The Locksmith (2023) Movie Ending, Explained: What happens to Miller? Does April exact revenge for her brother’s death?
While Miller is at his workshop, April contacts him, but during their conversation, gunfire shatters the windows as Zwick’s men invade the space, demanding money that Miller denies having.
In the chaos, Frank is shot by one of the corrupt officers, who then threatens Lindsay at gunpoint. During this tumultuous moment, Miller is shot in the leg. As his daughter is taken away, Beth is overcome with emotion at the perilous situation.
Lindsay is handcuffed and brought to April’s room. Furious, April confronts Zwick, who shows no remorse for his actions. She sends Miller a message with the motel address where she is located. Miller arrives there, aiming his weapon at Zwick in exchange for his daughter’s safe return.
Zwick mocks him for his late attempt to return the stolen cash. Meanwhile, Lindsay applies the escape techniques her father taught her and frees herself from her restraints. While Zwick is distracted by Miller, Beth manages to rescue Lindsay.
As Zwick prepares to shoot Miller, April intervenes and shoots Zwick from behind, driven by her desire for vengeance against the man responsible for her brother’s death. Just as April confronts Miller, he tries to protect himself while she berates him for his actions.
When Beth arrives, she implores April to reconsider her plan. At this moment, Miller admits his culpability for Kevin’s death, evoking an emotional response from April.
Finally, she chooses not to kill Miller. Following the ordeal, Beth is promoted to lieutenant due to her involvement in the case, and the family reunites after their harrowing experiences.
