Nov. 27, 2020|112 Min.
Genre: Mystery;Thriller
Description: When 28-year-old Seo-yeon receives a call from a woman named Young-sook asking for her friend, she hangs up, assuming it’s a wrong number. However, she later discovers that the call originated from the same house 20 years ago. Set in the fall of 1987, the story follows a group of small-town friends who must survive a night in the home of a sinister couple after a tragic accident occurs. Their task seems simple—make a single phone call—but this ordinary request takes a terrifying turn as they realize that the call could either change their lives or end them. What starts as a straightforward mission spirals into a nightmare as they confront their darkest fears in the realm of “The Call.”
While some cast members, like Shaye, Bell, and to some extent Chester Rushing, deliver notable performances, most characters remain unremarkable. Although the film doesn’t rely heavily on blood and gore—typical of a ghost story—incorporating more intense elements could have added much-needed shock value and elevated the otherwise mediocre narrative.
“The Call” sets up a premise filled with unsettling terror but falls short due to its predictable approach, relying on clichés like eerie objects and dark hallways. Despite its flaws, Shaye and Bell stand out for their dedication, infusing their characters with genuine emotion and depth.
The film deserves some credit for attempting something different, but its impact is diminished by weak writing and lackluster execution. It manages to redeem itself slightly with a decent reveal at the end, keeping viewers intrigued. Tobin Bell’s performance is both a strength and a weakness—while he excels in his role, his presence somewhat overshadows the rest of the cast. Overall, while the film’s cast will likely attract audiences, the movie itself holds its own as a decent horror experience.
Cast actor: Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Sung-ryung, Oh Jung-se, Lee Dong-hwi, Lee El, Park Ho-san
Original name: 콜