Locke and Key on Netflix is worth a binge

Locke and Key is a recent Netflix addition and perfect for a self-isolation binge. I watched it in two days but that was a couple of weeks ago when the world was a warm and loving place. Now everyone is staying in and trying to find something to do, it’s the perfect time for a digital boxset.

(Or even better read one of my books – there are a couple of scifi, travel tales and non-fiction about Thai spirits and demons. The pictures on the top right all work! Apologies for self promotion but I need to eat.)

Back to the topic. Locke and Key is based on a series of graphic novels written by Joe Hill. It’s about the Locke family who, in a great case of nominative determinism, are linked by destiny to a house full of magical keys and locks. The Key House has been in the Locke family for generations and when daddy Locke is murdered in Boston, the family – mother, two sons and a daughter – return to the family home. They then discover that there are a load of keys around that are magic.

I must admit, I was thinking of a kind of adult Narnia, with different keys opening to different realms. But that is not the case. The keys do open some locks to different realms but they can also be weapons or inserted into a human neck, for example. With very cool results.

The cast are all good. The mother can’t remember about magic because ‘she’s an adult’. Which doesn’t make sense but it means it is all up to the kids to sort stuff out. They are a jock-type, rebellious teen-girl type, and hyperactive younger brother type. There is also a hot baddie who is a lot of fun.

I really enjoyed Locke and Key and if you are stuck at home, it is definitely worth checking out. It isn’t perfect but at under ten hours, it is inventive and fun enough to fill at least one of your quarantine days. As I said, I watched it in two 5-hour binges and that was when I was able to wander outside. Recommended.