CHENNAI: In a novel take, Korean Netflix drama “Unlocked” by first-time director Kim Tae-joon is based on a plot driven by one woman’s reliance on her smartphone.  

The story is convoluted, with the opening shots portraying Lee Na-mi (played by Chun Woo-hee), who loses her phone, which is her lifeline. It has been stolen by an oddball, Jun-yeong (Im Si-wan), and we know who is behind it so there is no mystery here — but what does he do with it? 

The story takes a menacing turn when we realise he is no average petty thief after he returns the phone with a secret tracking device.  

He uses every trick in the book to follow Na-mi and even targets her father and career, creating a rift between her and her best friend.  

“Unlocked” creates a sense of fear and paranoia about the tiny gadgets we have come to depend on.  

This seems to be the message of the movie, but the situations are not entirely plausible and neither is the storyline. The villain is supposed to create an air of menace, but ultimately inspires ennui. Kim Tae-joon uses some great camera shots, but style cannot compensate for the tedious narrative.  

Jun-yeong’s father (Kim Hee-won), a detective ridden with guilt over his seven-year estrangement from his son, is weakly written, as is the naïve Na-mi. Most of the other characters are bland, and they seem to zip in and out of frame without creating any lasting impression. A good example of this is Na-mi’s best riend, who just does not seem to have the emotional range to bring any conviction to her part.   

On the brighter side, “Unlocked” is much more sedate than a the average K-drama, and avoids over-the-top, loud dramatics and hammed up acting.