Released in December 2018, ‘Door Lock’ is a psychological horror-thriller directed by Lee Kwon, starring Gong Hyo-jin, Kim Ye-won, and Kim Sung-oh. The film is based on the 2011 Spanish movie ‘Sleep Tight’. While the original unfolds from the perpetrator’s perspective, ‘Door Lock’ takes a different approach by telling the story through the victim’s point of view.
The protagonist, Kyung-min (played by Gong Hyo-jin), is a woman living alone in a studio apartment. One day, she comes home from work and finds the cover of her door lock left open. Feeling uneasy, she changes the passcode. But that night, she hears someone trying to unlock her door. Startled, she calls the police, but they show little concern as she’s called a couple of times before and brush off her fear.
Days later, strange signs appear again and a murder occurs. Realizing she can no longer rely on the police, Kyung-min decides to investigate on her own. An unlocked door lock, unknown fingerprints on the keypad, a cigarette butt left in front of her door—something is very wrong.
The creepiest part of this film is how it portrays fear lurking in everyday life, especially the idea that your own home, the place that should be safest, can become a source of danger. The fact that no one initially believes the protagonist adds to the sense of isolation and dread. Fortunately, her friend Hyo-joo (played by Kim Ye-won) believes her and helps her, offering some comfort amid the tension.
‘Door Lock’ grips you with suspense from start to finish. The immersive direction and strong performances keep the tension high throughout. Its themes will especially resonate with women living alone, tapping into very real and relatable fears, while showing a heroine who chooses to fight back rather than be a victim.
Overall, it’s a chilling thriller with a disturbing premise and a gripping execution. If you’re looking for a suspenseful film that’ll keep you on edge on a hot summer night, ‘Door Lock’ is definitely worth a watch.
