The Lockdown (2024), directed by Ryan C. Jaeger, is a martial arts action film that draws inspiration from classic prison combat dramas. The story follows siblings Charlie (Caity Lotz) and Jack (Leo Howard), who are wrongfully imprisoned in Myanmar’s most notorious facility. To survive, they must participate in brutal televised fights against fellow inmates, each match bringing them closer to freedom—or death.

The film’s strength lies in its action sequences. Choreographed by elite Thai stunt teams, the fight scenes are intense and well-executed, showcasing a blend of Muay Thai, MMA, and street combat techniques. Lotz and Howard deliver convincing performances, with Lotz’s portrayal of Charlie standing out as both vulnerable and resilient .

However, the film’s pacing is uneven. The first hour focuses heavily on character development and setup, which some viewers found slow and lacking in tension. The climax, while action-packed, has been critiqued for its abruptness and missed opportunities to deliver a more satisfying conclusion .

Despite these flaws, The Lockdown offers a nostalgic throwback to ’90s martial arts films, providing solid entertainment for fans of the genre