After being released by Netflix on February 7, 2020, Locke and Key has 66% on Rotten Tomatoes. 

The TV show, Locke and Key, is the perfect mix of supernatural horror with a hint of mystery. While the plot of the show is slightly off from the comic book series that the show was based off of, the main elements are still able to shine through the suspense-filled plot.

The show starts off when the Locke family; which consists of Tyler, Kinsey, Bode, and their mom Nina; move into the children’s father’s childhood home: Keyhouse. As the show continues, the viewer followers each of the Locke family through personal challenges, whether psychological or physical, as they overcome Rendell’s death. 

Each member of the family is effected differently by Rendell’s death which is partly due to the part that each of them played. The psychological impact that his passing has on each of them is shown through flashbacks of the event through each character’s perspective. This is how the viewer slowly learns about how Rendell died, which is clearly explained thoroughly throughout the first few episodes.

Towards the beginning of the season, it appears that the only member of the family that isn’t suffering through psychological trauma is Bode. He only mentions the event, and unlike his family, the only feeling that resonates within the viewer is sadness, not fear, for Bode.

While the characters drive the plot, the special effects (SFX) are the supporting factors in telling the story. The special effects used in Locke and Key increase the intensity of the show and the viewers’ ability to believe the ability of the keys, whether that be when Bode enters the astral plan or the many times the children enter their own minds. Not only do the effects help the viewers believe in the power of the keys, but they also help the viewers relate to the characters by making the scenes seem more life-like.

The SFX make it easier for the viewers to see themselves in that situation and feel empathy for the characters. One of these scenes is when Dodge, aka Echo, starts a fire at Keyhouse, as the viewer can share in the terror of traumatic event. The effects are also effectively used in showing whenever the characters are having flashbacks, establishing greater character development.

Lastly, the cinematography is especially important in depicting Rendell’s death. The death is shown from the perspectives of Nina and Tyler, one who was facing Rendell and the other who was beside him. During his death, Kinsey and Bode are separated from the family in another room. They are in a similar position later in the season, which depicts their growth as characters because of the similarities between scenes. The camera angles also recreate images from the comic book pages.

While the show does not follow the exact plot line of the comics, which could dissuade some viewers from the show, Locke and Key is easy to get hooked on. Whether it be the family drama, or its supernatural-horror mystery, it is hard to stop watching once you hit play. This show has the ability to enchant audiences everywhere and is a must-watch.