Door Lock Movie Reboot Inspired by Sleep Tight
In 2011, Jaume Balagueró brought us Sleep Tight, a Spanish home invasion thriller. Now director Lee Kwon wants us to relive the terror in modern times with the Korean movie – Door Lock (Deorag). A film based on the original Sleep Tight story that utilizes new technology blended in with today’s societal norms. The high-tension thriller movie is streaming on Japan’s Netflix. Set yourself up with a VPN and enjoy!
Although marked as a thriller the main difference between this film and the previous one is Door Lock has dialed up the violence. Although billed as a horror, don’t expect a big impact. This film can be happily enjoyed just as much as its predecessor by those that don’t enjoy gore.
Change the Door Locks
For anyone that’s seen the original movie Sleep Tight, it’s the subtleness of Tosar’s actions as César that make it so very creepy. Here the narrative takes on a more murder mystery-type premise combined with a home invasion stalker addition. Although it uses bits and pieces from the Sleep Tight storyline, it’s the very notion that Jo is aware she has a stalker that makes the biggest noticeable difference. In the original film, the main protagonist has no idea for some time.
Door Lock begins with a fantastic introduction that shows you what to expect from its stealthy antagonist. A woman in her apartment alone is attacked by a faceless figure. The off-screen action is hidden behind a closed door but there is no mistaking something horrible has happened to her. It’s then the story switches to Jo Gyeng-min played by Hyo-Jin Kong who works in an office.
Over the course of the story, there isn’t a lot to know about Jo except that she’s naturally paranoid, lives alone, and is generally a likable character. Instead of generic police who fail to do their jobs, Door Lock’s writer Park Jung-Hee treats viewers to a set of cops who get called out one too many times ‘for nothing’ to Jo’s apartment on the sixth floor.
The setting is dark and volatile and Jo is an attractive single woman. It’s her hyper-diligent nature that highlights the many dangers of being solo in a big city. I enjoyed the addition of some extra details about the stalker once he is eventually uncovered.
Minor Flaws in Door Lock Movie
There is so much to like about this film, yet there are a few smaller details that feel like minor flaws. They aren’t something that ruins the experience, well they weren’t for me anyway. There are some occurrences that will likely annoy those that prefer a little more smarts. Giving the picture a whodunnit vibe works for, and against it. For example, modern-day tech, the main theme of the film, is diminished when a thin metal bar gets used to open this heightened security measure.
Overall, fans of the film Sleep Tight will want to watch this. For those that didn’t enjoy this, I recommend seeking out the original film.
For me, I really liked what the filmmakers did with Door Lock, definitely worth your time. Keep an eye on the Mother of Movies Facebook page for the film for further details on release dates.
I give the Door Lock
3 penguin security cameras out of 5
The film premiered on July 24th, 2019 at Fantasia International Film Festival 2019. Released in Japan in December 2019.
Where to Watch the Korean Remake of Sleep Tight, Door Lock
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