Watch The Call

The Call is a South Korean psychological thriller film released in 2020, directed by Lee Chung-hyun, that weaves together elements of horror and suspense in a fresh and engaging narrative. With a runtime of approximately 112 minutes, the film takes viewers on a tensely unpredictable journey that challenges the boundaries of time and the consequences of altering past events.

The story revolves around two women, Seo-yeon and Young-sook, played by Park Shin-Hye and Jeon Jong-seo, respectively, who are living in different times but inexplicably connect through a mysterious phone call. Seo-yeon returns to her family home to take care of her sick mother and stumbles upon an old cordless phone. As she settles in, she begins receiving enigmatic calls from a woman who seems to be living in the same house but in a different era.

Seo-yeon is an independent and determined individual grappling with her personal issues while trying to care for her ailing mother. She finds herself emotionally isolated, making the strange connection she establishes through the phone call even more compelling and bizarrely comforting. Park Shin-Hye delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing the fear, curiosity, and desperation of her character as she navigates the unfolding mystery.

On the other end of the line is Young-sook, a character burdened with a chilling and complex backstory. Living in the property two decades earlier, Young-sook discovers that she can communicate with the future through the peculiar phone calls she receives. Jeon Jong-seo portrays her character with an intense depth, bringing layers of emotion to a role that spans across time and demanding moral dilemmas.

The film's cinematography beautifully contrasts the two time periods, using color grading, set design, and costumes to delineate the decades apart. The sense of entrapment within the old house adds a claustrophobic tension for characters that expands into the gripping atmosphere of the film. Subtle camera work and precise editing enhance the eerie connection between the two timelines, supporting the storyline in a seamless way that keeps the audience engaged and on edge.

At its core, The Call explores themes such as the butterfly effect and the moral implications of manipulating time. As Seo-yeon and Young-sook form a bond across time, they are faced with personal challenges and life-changing decisions that put their relationship to the test. The film poses intriguing questions about fate, free will, and the ripple effect of actions as the characters' lives intertwine in astonishing and tragic ways.

Director Lee Chung-hyun does an admirable job in crafting tension and pacing the story to steadily build towards the climax. He skillfully merges the dramatic and supernatural elements of the tale, steering clear of common clichés to deliver a unique and original experience. The script, co-written by the director, provides enough twists and character development to keep viewers hooked without overcomplicating the plot.

The supporting cast, including Kim Sung-ryung, adds depth to the narrative, each character playing a pivotal role in the unfolding events. The interactions and relationships depicted in both timelines are convincingly portrayed and contribute to the overall suspense of the film.

The score and sound design of The Call play an indispensable role in creating the film's chilling atmosphere. The soundtrack underscores the tension and heightens the emotional stakes, marrying well with the visual storytelling to create a fully immersive experience. Oftentimes subtle but sometimes jarringly effective, the sound compels viewers to invest in both the darkness and hope that the narrative suggests.

The Call presents an engaging mix of genres; it's a thriller with a touch of science fiction and horror elements that doesn't shy away from tackling emotional depth and complex moral questions. The movie does a commendable job of balancing the cerebral elements with suspenseful and terrifying scenes, ensuring that the audience remains connected to both the story's intellectual and visceral appeals.

Overall, The Call offers audiences a sophisticated and captivating combination of thrills and thought-provoking drama. With standout performances from Park Shin-Hye and Jeon Jong-seo, this film marks a significant entry in the South Korean cinema landscape, showcasing an ability to innovate within familiar genre tropes. Fans of psychological thrillers and time-travel narratives will find plenty to appreciate in this intricate and carefully constructed tale of intertwined fates, and might even find themselves returning to the phone once more to unravel its deeper meanings.

The Call is a 2020 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.