Unlocked (2017) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
The 2017 thriller Unlocked follows CIA interrogator Alice Racine (Noomi Rapace), who is drawn into a terrorist plot after a failed interrogation. The ending reveals a complex web of betrayal, with Alice discovering her mentor, Eric Lasch (Michael Douglas), is the mastermind behind the planned biological attack. After a series of intense confrontations, Alice outsmarts Eric and prevents the attack, but the film leaves questions about the full extent of the conspiracy and Alice's future. The ending is action-packed but somewhat predictable, with a focus on Alice's resilience and the theme of trust being a liability in espionage.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of Unlocked occurs when Alice Racine finally uncovers the truth: her trusted mentor, Eric Lasch, is the orchestrator of the planned biological attack on London. Throughout the film, Alice is manipulated by multiple factions-terrorists, MI5, and CIA operatives-leaving her unsure of whom to trust. The final act sees Alice luring Eric into a trap, using her skills as an interrogator to turn the tables on him. In a tense showdown, she forces Eric to reveal his motives: he believes that the only way to unite the world against terrorism is by staging a catastrophic attack that will justify extreme counterterrorism measures. Alice, however, refuses to let innocents die for his twisted ideology and ultimately kills him, preventing the release of the virus.
The film's resolution sees Alice handing over evidence of Eric's betrayal to her former colleague, Emily Knowles (Toni Collette), implying that the CIA will cover up the incident to avoid a scandal. Alice then walks away, symbolizing her disillusionment with the intelligence community. The final shot-a close-up of her determined expression-suggests she may continue fighting corruption but on her own terms. This open-ended conclusion leaves room for interpretation, as Alice's future remains uncertain.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
- Was Eric acting alone, or were there higher-level conspirators?
- Possible Answer: Given the film's themes of institutional corruption, it's likely others in the CIA or government were aware of Eric's plan but turned a blind eye.
- What happens to the other double agents, like Bob Hunter (John Malkovich)?
- Possible Answer: Hunter's fate is ambiguous, but his loyalty to Alice suggests he may help her expose more corruption off-screen.
- Will Alice return to intelligence work, or has she left for good?
- Possible Answer: Her walk into the sunset implies she's done with the CIA, but her skills make her a prime candidate for freelance espionage.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
Unlocked delivers a serviceable thriller with a twist that, while not entirely unpredictable, is executed well enough to keep viewers engaged. Noomi Rapace's performance as Alice is compelling, balancing vulnerability and ferocity, though the script sometimes relies too heavily on clichés of the genre. The ending's moral ambiguity-showing that even "heroic" institutions like the CIA can harbor monsters-is its strongest aspect. However, the film's pacing suffers in the middle act, and some characters (like Malkovich's Hunter) feel underutilized. Overall, it's a decent espionage flick with a satisfying, if somewhat formulaic, conclusion.
Themes & Symbolism in the Ending
The finale reinforces the movie's central theme: trust is a liability in the world of espionage. Alice's journey is one of repeated betrayals, culminating in the ultimate betrayal by her mentor. Her decision to walk away symbolizes her rejection of a system that values pragmatism over morality. The biological weapon itself serves as a metaphor for the destructive potential of unchecked power - Eric's plan mirrors real-world false-flag conspiracy theories, adding a layer of social commentary. While Unlocked doesn't delve deeply into these ideas, they provide a thematic backbone that elevates it above mere action schlock.
Final Verdict
Unlocked isn't groundbreaking, but it's a solid entry in the spy thriller genre. The ending ties up the immediate plot while leaving enough unanswered questions to provoke discussion. Rapace's performance and the film's critique of intelligence agencies make it worth watching, even if it doesn't reach the heights of classics like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. If you enjoy twisty, fast-paced thrillers with a strong female lead, Unlocked delivers-just don't expect too much depth beyond the surface-level intrigue.