In the age of technology, our lives are heavily intertwined with the internet, offering us convenience and unforeseen consequences. Director Kim Tae-joon’s gripping Korean crime mystery thriller, ‘Unlocked,’ explores the unsettling aftermath of cyber security breaches, shedding light on the consequences that occur when our digital boundaries are violated.
The film centers around Na Mi, a young photographer who leads an active online presence. Her life takes a terrifying turn when she loses her phone during a night out, unknowingly setting the stage for a relentless cyberstalker. This accidental loss of her phone has profound implications for her personal and professional life, exposing the darker side of technology’s reach.
In Netflix’s ‘Unlocked,’ phone hacking is a central plot point that goes beyond mere stalking. It highlights a dangerously real threat in today’s world. Cybersecurity experts and hackers alike have the capability to hack into smartphones, making it a genuine concern for individuals.
Na Mi’s ordeal begins when a stranger finds her lost phone on a bus. Due to her intoxicated state, she is unable to recall the incident. The following day, she receives a call from someone claiming to have found her phone. Na Mi agrees to meet this person at a cafe, unaware that the individual on the other end is using pre-recorded voice messages to deceive her. This method of manipulation, known as Interactive Voice Response (IVR), is commonly used in the IT world and can be used by hackers to gather information and gain access to devices.
At the cafe, Na Mi is informed that her phone is damaged and has been sent for repair. She is directed to a rundown mobile repair shop, where she encounters a masked individual. In a grave oversight, she hands over her device and her mobile security password, giving the hacker unrestricted access to her life. This scene underscores the importance of human error when it comes to cyber security. Na Mi shares her password with an unknown person, even though it is unnecessary for a simple screen replacement.
Sharing his views on this scene, a cybersecurity researcher explains that it is true a hacker can remotely control a victim’s device. The character in the film shares her password so that the stalker can install spyware. Stalkerware and spyware are very real threats, ranging from nation-state level spyware to stalkerware designed for personal invasion.
With the spyware installed, the hacker is able to spy on Na Mi through her phone’s camera, tracking her every move, interaction, and conversation. As she sleeps, he delves even further into her privacy, gathering intimate details from her life. The effects of the spyware are evident, as it causes a slow response in opening applications and drains the phone’s battery rapidly.
Quoting the cybersecurity researcher again, it is stated that Na Mi would have possibly noticed the change in her phone’s speed and battery life. Every app or service installed on a smartphone consumes battery and storage, including spyware. Therefore, these changes would have raised suspicions for anyone paying attention.
As the story unfolds, Na Mi discovers an anonymous account linked to her, which portrays her as verbally abusive towards her colleagues. This revelation tarnishes her professional reputation and exposes her as the account’s creator, leading to severe consequences such as her termination from a recently acquired job promotion.
Parallel to Na Mi’s journey, police detective Ji Man unwittingly stumbles upon a series of gruesome murders with no identifiable fingerprints or identities. However, he begins to discern a connection between the victims and a plum tree he planted with his estranged son, Jun Yeong. Through text messages exchanged between his son and wife, Ji Man traces Jun Yeong’s location to uncover the truth.
The ending of Netflix’s ‘Unlocked’ takes a dramatic turn. Ji Man closes in on Jun Yeong’s location, while Jun Yeong continues to deceive Na Mi by assuming the identity of an ordinary customer, gaining her trust and redirecting suspicion. Detectives discover clues related to the murder investigation in Jun Yeong’s mobile repair shop, leading to a confrontation at Na Mi’s apartment as the police stake out the premises to apprehend him. However, due to years of estrangement, Ji Man struggles to recognize that the person before him is an imposter and not his son. Jun Yeong manages to escape, leaving doubts about his guilt. Meanwhile, Na Mi discovers Jun Yeong’s true nature, leading to a dangerous situation.
The tension intensifies when Jun Yeong realizes that the police are closing in on him. He finds a cryptic note that reveals his true identity and leads to a brutal confrontation. Ji Man finally comprehends that the person in front of him is not his son, as he reads a collection of notes detailing the murders. In a shocking twist, Na Mi regains consciousness and shoots the imposter in anger. It appears as though the hacker is eliminated, but the film concludes with an unsettling moment when Na Mi spots someone outside her window with a camera, highlighting the ongoing danger of cyber invasion.
In conclusion, ‘Unlocked’ serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with technology and the internet. The film explores the consequences of cyber security breaches and emphasizes the importance of vigilance in protecting our digital boundaries. While the portrayal of certain scenarios may seem unrealistic, it serves as a cautionary tale for viewers and highlights the need for increased awareness and education surrounding cyber security practices. By staying informed and proactive in guarding our personal information, we can mitigate the risks and repercussions of cyber attacks.