Watch When a Stranger Calls Back

In the 1993 thriller movie When a Stranger Calls Back, Carol Kane reprises her role as Jill Johnson, the babysitter from the first film released in 1979. The movie is directed by Fred Walton, who also directed the original. The sequel follows Jill as she tries to move on from her traumatic ordeal ten years later, only to find herself in another harrowing situation.

The movie opens with Jill working as a college student counselor, using her own experience to help trauma victims. She receives a call from a woman named Julia who is seeking her help with a student who is struggling after being attacked. Julia is kind and seems to genuinely want to help, asking Jill to come to her remote cabin in the woods to talk about the case.

Once Jill arrives, she realizes that Julia is not who she appears to be. There's something off about her, and she doesn't seem to have the student in question. Jill becomes increasingly suspicious as she tries to leave, only to find that she's trapped in the cabin. With no phone and no way out, Jill soon realizes that she's been lured into a dangerous game with a crazed woman.

As the movie progresses, Jill fights to stay alive and outsmart her captor. She manages to use her counseling skills and her knowledge of survival tactics to try and extricate herself from the dangerous situation. Along the way, she meets a helpful stranger named John Clifford, played by Charles Durning, who may hold the key to her escape.

The tension in the movie builds slowly, creating a sense of dread and suspense that is only heightened by the fact that the audience knows what Jill is capable of, having seen her escape from a similar scenario a decade earlier. The plot is cleverly written, taking elements of the original movie and tweaking them just enough to make them fresh and engaging.

Carol Kane delivers a chilling performance as Jill Johnson, capturing the character's strength, determination, and vulnerability. Kane manages to make Jill a sympathetic character who is easy to root for, even as the situation becomes increasingly dire.

The supporting cast also shines in their roles. Charles Durning is excellent as John Clifford, bringing warmth and humor to a character that could have been a one-note hero. Jill Schoelen gives a standout performance as the villainous Julia, portraying her as both terrifying and sympathetic.

The cinematography is also noteworthy, with the remote cabin setting adding to the sense of isolation and danger. The use of shadows and lighting gives the movie a distinct visual style that adds to the tension.

Overall, When a Stranger Calls Back is a riveting thriller that manages to stand on its own while still paying homage to the original movie. With strong performances, clever writing, and expert direction, the movie is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

When a Stranger Calls Back is a 1993 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.