The Call: A Chilling Time-Bending Thriller
littlecellist.com – The Call (Korean: 콜; RR: Kol) is a 2020 South Korean thriller film directed by Lee Chung-hyun. This film presents a unique and suspenseful premise: two women living in different time periods are connected by a mysterious phone call. What begins as a seemingly harmless connection quickly spirals into a dangerous game with deadly consequences.
Two Women, Two Time Periods, One Phone Call
The story revolves around two women: Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye), who lives in the present day (2019), and Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), who lives in the same house 20 years earlier (1999). Seo-yeon returns to her childhood home, which is now empty, and finds an old cordless phone. When she plugs it in, she receives a call from Young-sook, who is living in the same house two decades in the past.
A Dangerous Friendship with Unforeseen Consequences
Initially, the two women form a bond, sharing details about their lives and even helping each other with small tasks across time. However, their relationship takes a dark turn when Seo-yeon discovers that Young-sook is connected to a series of unsolved murders that occurred in the past. When Seo-yeon warns Young-sook about her impending fate, Young-sook takes drastic measures to change her own destiny, inadvertently altering the present for Seo-yeon in terrifying ways.
A Twisting Narrative with Time-Altering Stakes
The Call masterfully utilizes the time-bending premise to create a suspenseful and unpredictable narrative. Every action taken by Young-sook in the past has ripple effects on Seo-yeon’s present, leading to shocking twists and turns. The film keeps the audience on edge, constantly questioning how the past and present will intertwine and what the ultimate consequences will be.
Strong Performances That Drive the Tension
The success of The Call hinges on the powerful performances of its two lead actresses. Park Shin-hye delivers a compelling performance as Seo-yeon, portraying her growing fear and desperation as her present is altered by Young-sook’s actions. Jeon Jong-seo gives a chilling and captivating performance as Young-sook, embodying a character who becomes increasingly unhinged and dangerous. The dynamic between the two actresses is electric, driving the tension and suspense of the film.
A Psychological Thriller with Horror Elements
While primarily a thriller, The Call incorporates elements of psychological horror, creating a truly unsettling atmosphere. The film explores themes of fate, free will, and the consequences of tampering with time. The psychological manipulation and emotional torment experienced by both characters add a layer of disturbing intensity to the narrative.
A Well-Crafted and Engaging Thriller
The Call is a well-crafted and engaging thriller that offers a fresh take on the time travel concept. Its suspenseful narrative, strong performances, and chilling atmosphere make it a captivating cinematic experience.
