Locks Student Short Film Directed by Ryan Coogler

Before the global acclaim of Sinners and Black Panther, Ryan Coogler was already crafting powerful, intimate stories, and his 2009 student short Locks is a striking example. Set on the streets of Oakland, this understated but deeply moving film follows a young man heading to the barbershop, in what at first seems like a simple routine.

Shot with quiet confidence and a naturalistic eye, Locks captures the texture of everyday life while gently revealing something more profound. Coogler's gift for human storytelling is already evident here - in the silences, in the gestures, and in the subtle choices his protagonist makes.

With a runtime of just over seven minutes, Locks doesn’t rely on dramatic twists or flashy visuals. Instead, it builds a quiet tension that speaks volumes, leaving the viewer reflective long after the final frame. Shot during his time in the prestigious Master’s programme at USC School of Cinematic Arts, this student short demonstrates Coogler’s instinctive gift for storytelling under pressure

A compelling early work that hints at the voice and vision Coogler would soon share with the world. Watch and enjoy Locks below.