Locke & Key: An Enjoyable Fantasy Series

 





Just finished watching the web series Locke & Key on Netflix. What makes it stand apart from the usual run-of-the-mill spooky stuff is that, at a certain level, it becomes an allegory of life and its choices, with each key opening doors into different experiences, some pleasant and others diabolically evil.

At the heart of the story are keys hidden away in the nooks and crannies of an ancient mansion that whispers their locations to a chosen few among children. Sounds familiar? Yes, childhood is full of magic and mystery. A cycle tyre, propelled by a stick, becomes a race car. The small tree house is fit to be your castle. Imagination running wild could open portals to different worlds.

Magic Keys and Yogic Temptations

Once the kids cross into adulthood, the memories about the magic keys are wiped out. Realisation dawns that the magic was a mere illusion and an impediment to growth.  It is remarkably similar to the quest of the Yogis for self-realisation (Moksha). They engage in long hours of meditation and prayers, acquiring certain powers to predict the future, cure diseases or acquire immense wealth.

However, if the Yogi falls for such temptations, he will be unable to reach his goal. Similarly, the keys open up many portals of possibilities. However, they extract a heavy price on the users, forcing them to a life of lies and deception.

Story summery

A recently widowed mother of three decides to move to her husband's sprawling ancestral property, the Key House in the fictional town of Matheson, Massachusetts. The kids are unhappy with the move. But then they get drawn into a series of adventures as the youngest one, Bode, starts discovering keys that whisper their location to him. 

These are no ordinary keys. Among the magical keys is one that allows you to go anywhere you want, and another one with which you could enter the head of a person and view their memories, another that allows time travel and one that opens a portal to the demon world!

The mom has been an alcoholic for much of her married life. Her eldest son, Tyler, 17, has a running feud with his sister Kinsey, also a teenager, who harbours dreams of becoming more fashionable. The youngest child, Bede, a boy of about 10 years, is the happiest of the lot. He wastes no time in exploring the sprawling, ancient two-storied house and discovers, from time to time, magical keys kept hidden in various places.

In the process, he unwittingly releases an evil spirit from a well house io the premises, setting off a chain of events that soon involves not only the family but also some of their close friends in school.

Lovely Locales and Excellent Actors

The series is shot in picturesque locations in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada. The town, with its small harbour and red-roofed houses, presents a pretty picture. So, full marks for cinematography. Among the actors,  Jackson Robert Scott wins hands down for his charming portrayal of an earnest young boy.

The cast also includes Darby Stanchfield (Nina Locke), Connor Jessup (Tyler Locke), Emilia Jones  (Kinsey Locke), Petrice Jones (Scot Cavendish), Hallea Jones (Eden Hawkins), Griffin Gluck (Gabe), Aaron Ashmore (Duncan Locke) and Sherri Saum (Ellie Whedon). 

It also ticks all the boxes in the wholesome family, inclusiveness and LGBTQ sections. The mother is fiercely protective of the children. The children's friends come from diverse races. A gay wedding is celebrated in all pomp and finery. On the whole, worth a watch.

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