Sometimes when you are alone, do you speak out loud to yourself? Do you pretend to be talking to someone else? Who? Why?

Tom Hardy stars on Steven Knight’s new driving drama. That seems like a fair way to describe it.

What is interesting is that, when you first hear Locke is a film entirely about a character driving and speaking on the phone, you’d think the screenplay and acting would have to stand out. How many different shots can a director get from a moving car or from inside one? But Knight’s vision is the highlight of Locke.

Ivan Locke is happily married, construction manager who’s about to have the most important day of his career. However, months before, he slept with a stranger and she’s having a baby. Now. And if you travel to London to see the birth, you’ll miss tomorrow’s meeting with the guys from Chicago.

However you might judge Ivan’s actions, I respected him for sticking to one decision. While driving, he guides subordinates through the upcoming procedures for tomorrow, tells the truth about tonight to his wife and also deals with the pregnant woman who has no family nor friends.

Don’t get me wrong, Tom Hardy was great in this movie. He is literally the only actor that appears in it. His acting was not mind-blowing but he definitely delivered.

The fact this film was shot at nighttime plays a huge aesthetic part. Reminded me of Michael Mann’s Collateral. Everything is black; the only things you can see are Hardy’s face and unfocused car lights. A sign here and there, police and ambulances going by and his car’s panel with his phone book. It captured the essence of night traveling on the road perfectly.

Why would put his marriage and job on the line for this trip?

Watch Locke and find out.