Comedy and drama have long explored coming-of-age narratives, often centered on young women navigating insecurities and personal growth. But few dive into the raw, unfiltered chaos of someone who refuses to grow up. Sabrina Greco’s Lockjaw doesn’t just tell a story about self-discovery—it gives us a protagonist who is hilariously, unapologetically stuck. In a time where the “brat era” mindset is celebrated, this film holds up a mirror, making us cringe, laugh, and question our own tolerance for self-destruction.
Blu Hunt delivers a standout performance as Rayna, a young woman recovering from a brutal car accident caused by her own recklessness. With her jaw wired shut, she’s forced into an unexpected period of silence—something she’s entirely unequipped to handle. Looking for an escape, she and her best friend Mitch (Colin Burgess) attend a low-key gathering, where their arrival sparks tension, especially with their estranged friend Noah (Kevin Grossman). What starts as a night of reconnection quickly spirals as Rayna’s abrasive personality and unchecked insecurities begin to take over, making her presence unbearable for everyone around her.
At its core, Lockjaw is a dark comedy about accountability—or the complete lack of it. Greco crafts a story that examines the messy, sometimes toxic dynamics of peer groups, particularly within platonic friendships. The film doesn’t try to redeem Rayna, nor does it make excuses for her behavior. Instead, it forces us to sit in the discomfort of watching someone implode while desperately clinging to their sense of self. It’s funny, it’s frustrating, and it’s eerily familiar to anyone who has ever had that friend who turns every situation into their personal battleground.
What sets Lockjaw apart is its sharp, almost voyeuristic portrayal of a generation raised on digital validation but lacking real-world communication skills. Rayna is used to being heard, even when she has nothing meaningful to say. The film cleverly explores how losing the ability to speak doesn’t necessarily force introspection—instead, it amplifies the chaos within. Alcohol may lower inhibitions, but it doesn’t create wisdom. And as Rayna fights against the constraints placed on her—both literal and figurative—it becomes clear that restraint is only an illusion to those who believe they’re above consequence.
Lockjaw is a brutally honest, sometimes uncomfortable watch, but that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. In a world where self-awareness is often performative, the film challenges us to recognize how toxicity doesn’t always need words to spread.
3.5/5
Written and Directed by SABRINA GRECO
Produced by ABBIE JONES
Starring BLU HUNT, COLIN BURGESS, NICK CORIROSSI, KEVIN GROSSMAN, ALLY DAVIS, SALLY SUM, and LENA REDFORD
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