Netflix's Locke & Key: Season 1 Review

Summary

Netflix's adaptation of 'Lock and Key', based on the graphic novel by Joe Hill, offers a whimsical take on the source material, focusing on the Locke family's adventures in their ancestral home. While it lacks the graphic violence of the comics, the series boasts impressive set pieces, strong performances, and a compelling blend of fantasy and family drama. However, it struggles with a lack of cohesion due to juggling multiple narratives. The show is an enjoyable binge, appealing to a wide audience but may disappoint those seeking a faithful adaptation.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Netflix's adaptation of 'Lock and Key' is a live-action series based on the graphic novel by Joe Hill and Gabrielle Rodriguez.
• 🏠 The story revolves around the Locke family, including siblings Tyler, Kinsey, Bodie, and their mother Nina, who move into their ancestral Keyhouse after a family tragedy.
• 🔮 The series is noted for its whimsical tone rather than graphic violence, aiming to appeal to a broader audience with a family-friendly approach.
• 🏆 The production design of Keyhouse is praised for its detailed and mysterious atmosphere, adding depth to the narrative.
• 🌟 Bodie's character stands out for his interactions with the magical keys, particularly the 'Head Key' which allows for creative and emotional storytelling.
• 🎓 Tyler and Kinsey's storylines involve high school drama, which sometimes detracts from the main mystery, giving the show a teen-drama feel.
• 🧩 The series attempts to balance multiple genres, including family drama, supernatural thriller, and murder mystery, but struggles to maintain cohesion.
• 👻 The main villain's presence is both charming and menacing, yet the show's humor sometimes undermines the intended horror and tension.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 The show's strength lies in its blend of fantasy with real-world drama, especially in the character-building moments involving the Locke family's relationships.
• 🔑 The 'Head Key' is a highlight of the series, offering a unique visual and narrative element by opening doors to characters' minds and memories.
• 📺 'Lock and Key' Season 1 is an enjoyable watch for both fans of the original graphic novel and new viewers, despite changes from the source material.

Q & A

What is the main source of inspiration for the Netflix series 'Lock and Key'?

The Netflix series 'Lock and Key' is based on the graphic novel of the same name written by Joe Hill and illustrated by Gabrielle Rodriguez.

What is the central plot of 'Lock and Key'?

The series centers on the Locke children, Tyler, Kinsey, and Bodie, and their mother, Nina, who move to their ancestral home of Keyhouse after the family's patriarch, Rendell, is murdered.

How does the Netflix adaptation of 'Lock and Key' differ from the original graphic novel?

The Netflix adaptation leans more into the whimsical aspects of Joe Hill's narrative and is less focused on the graphic violence and creepy visuals present in the original graphic novel.

What is the significance of Keyhouse in the series?

Keyhouse is not just a setting but a standout character in 'Lock and Key', with every room meticulously detailed and contributing a layer of mystery to the story.

Which character in 'Lock and Key' is noted for their encounters with the magic of the keys?

Bodhi, the younger brother of Tyler and Kinsey, has the most fascinating encounters with the magic of the keys in season one.

How does the series handle the balance between high school drama and supernatural elements?

The series occasionally feels more like a teen drama due to its high school hijinks, but it becomes more engaging when it leans into its fantastical elements.

What is unique about the 'Head Key' in the series?

The Head Key allows a person to literally open the door into someone's mind, enabling them to relive important memories and adding weight and grief to the relationships.

What challenge does the series face in its attempt to serve multiple narratives?

The series struggles to feel cohesive as it attempts to be a compelling family drama, supernatural thriller, murder mystery, and high school drama all at once.

How does the series handle its main villain?

The main villain, while having an incredible on-screen presence, is often undercut by the show's focus on whimsy over horror, which affects the tension and terror associated with her character.

What is the overall verdict on 'Lock and Key' season 1 according to the script?

Season 1 of 'Lock and Key' is an enjoyable binge that is easily digestible for fans and newcomers alike, but those hoping for a wholly faithful adaptation may be frustrated by some key changes.

What other Netflix series are mentioned in the script for comparison?

The script mentions 'The Witcher' and 'Dracula' as other Netflix series for comparison and suggests checking out reviews for these shows as well.