The Call is a 2020 horror feature film directed by Chung-Hyun Lee.
A Friendly Ringtone
What is most intriguing about The Call film has to be the time-bending premise that it takes on very quickly. A cordless landline phone connects Seo-Yeon and Young-sook between decades of separation existing in the same home. What quickly ensues is a time-bending plot. One that starts innocently enough, quickly becoming sinister as the plot thickens.
What unfolds is intriguing, albeit the mileage will vary depending on how much you can suspend your disbelief with how the timelines change throughout. Personally, though, it was very easy to let the story wash over. There were only a few instances of extra questioning that came up throughout.
The best way to equate it from a typical Hollywood film perspective would be to imagine the viewing experience from Back to the Future. In the film’s context, it all makes sense, but if you really dig at the story, there will be plot holes that abound.
Answering the Call (Kol)
The constant changing of the story as history is rewritten helps elevate the film to subvert many expectations throughout. At every turn, it can feel as if you have a handle on what is coming, only for the rug to get pulled out from under you. This is smart storytelling. It does not pander to the audience at any step of the way and the visual splendor the film incorporates to show how the future changes are wonderfully well done. It is astoundingly top-notch, especially for a foreign film that was more than likely made on a smaller budget.
Hanging Up the Phone
Where things slip and what will be the most divisive aspect of everything preceding it has to be the ending. This is the last spot where a twist plays out and has to be the film’s weakest aspect. While it sticks to a horror formula that has worked for decades, it completely undermines what has come before it.
The ending in place before this was perfectly suited, and by feeling a need to give one final twist, it really leaves a sour taste in the mouth. It is a real shame too because everything that leads up to it is so well made all around.
To Dial or Not to Dial
Regardless of the way the ending leaves things off, this is still an easy film to recommend. Some may find a lot of enjoyment in the film, but others will be perturbed by how it leaves the story off. The visuals, dialogue, and acting are all top-notch though, and if you are looking for a late-night watch on Netflix, this is one to seek out.
I give The Call
4 phone rings out of 5
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