The Call: A conversation between the past and the present

MOVIE REVIEW

The Call is a South Korean psychological thriller that intertwines elements of suspense and supernatural drama. The film centers on two women from different time periods who are connected through a mysterious phone call. Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) is a woman living in 2019 who discovers an old phone in her childhood home, which allows her to communicate with another woman, Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), who lives in 1999.

As Seo-yeon and Young-sook communicate, their interactions lead to dramatic and increasingly disturbing consequences. Seo-yeon tries to use the knowledge from Young-sook’s time to alter events in her own life, but this results in unforeseen and perilous repercussions. The film explores themes of fate, the consequences of tampering with time, and the dark side of human nature.

Park Shin-hye delivers a strong performance as Seo-yeon, capturing her character’s desperation and moral dilemma as she grapples with the implications of her actions. Her portrayal is both compelling and relatable, driving the emotional core of the film.

Jeon Jong-seo shines as Young-sook, bringing an unsettling intensity to her role. Her performance adds depth and complexity to the character, making her both sympathetic and menacing. The interplay between Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo is a highlight of the film, with their dynamic chemistry adding to the film's suspenseful atmosphere.

Kim Sung-ryong and Lee El provide solid supporting roles, contributing to the film’s tension and drama. Their performances help to flesh out the narrative and enhance the overall impact of the story.

Lee Chung-hyun’s direction is adept at creating a taut and suspenseful atmosphere. The film’s pacing is well-managed, with a narrative that builds tension and keeps the audience engaged through its twists and turns. Lee’s use of suspense and psychological drama is effectively executed, making the film both thrilling and thought-provoking.

Cinematographer Jeong Seong-hie captures the film’s eerie and suspenseful tone with skillful use of lighting and camera angles. The visual style enhances the film’s mood, with stark contrasts and dramatic framing contributing to the overall sense of unease.

Talking about the music and soundtrack it is composed by Oh Joon-sung, complements the film’s suspenseful and eerie tone. The music effectively heightens the tension and underscores key moments, adding to the psychological intensity of the narrative.

"The Call" is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that successfully blends elements of psychological drama with supernatural intrigue. It stands out for its strong performances, particularly by Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo, and its skillful direction and cinematography. The film’s exploration of fate and the consequences of altering time provides a thought-provoking and suspenseful experience.

"The Call" is a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers and those interested in stories that delve into the darker aspects of human nature. Its compelling performances, engaging narrative, and eerie atmosphere make it a standout entry in the genre.

Here is the link to watch the trailer: 

https://youtu.be/R8sjZQl1SE8?si=dMcfGiZBX7SuKJGz