The Call is a psychological thriller film from South Korea, released in 2020. It is directed by Lee Chung-hyun and uniquely combines elements of suspense, horror, and time travel. Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo star in the lead roles, and they offer a captivating reinterpretation of the 2011 British and Puerto Rican film ‘The Caller.’ The film illustrates the terrifying consequences of time travel and how a single, seemingly trivial action can lead to disastrous outcomes.
Plot Summary
The story focuses on a woman in her late twenties named Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye), who goes back to her childhood home in the countryside to take care of her sick mother. While reorganizing her old childhood belongings, she comes across an antique cordless phone. To her astonishment, the phone starts ringing and the voice on the other end introduces herself as Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), claiming she resides in the same house but in 1999.
Seo-yeon becomes less skeptical as she realizes the phone connects her present to Young-sook’s past. With time, the two engage in deeper discussions forming a peculiar bond. To Young-sook, who lives with her oppressive shaman mother, Seo-yeon offers a glimpse of comfort and friendship. In return, Seo-yeon finds a chance to mend shattered parts of her life, especially the traumatic loss of her father.
The once unique bond quickly shifts to darker territory. Youngsook’s abusive mother faces the consequences of her cruelty. With each act of defiance, shocking changes ripple through the present. Although Seo-yeon initially thrives, enjoying the benefits of her father’s miraculous survival, it swiftly unravels into chaos. Young-sook spirals into the depths of becoming a serial killer, reshaping history to claim control over the future.
Seo-yeon desperately tries to repair the damage while racing against a clock in a turbulent present. Time serves as a battleground in this tense back-and-forth struggle as the film races towards a harrowing climax overflowing with emotion. Destiny, self, and ethics are weaved in intricate mind-bending twists that lead to a conclusion that isn’t just gripping but also deeply thought-provoking.
Thematic Analysis and Symbolism
Rather than a simple sci-fi thriller, The Call is a complex psychological film that examines one or several enduring themes:
The Risks of Playing God
Seo-yeon’s well-meaning attempts to alter the past reveal the perilous consequences that come with time manipulation. While attempting to resolve a personal tragedy, her actions set off a much worse sequence of events.
Desperation and Isolation
Both women experience forms of isolation—Seo-yeon as a result of emotional trauma, and Young-sook from abuse and neglect. Their shared experience of suffering allows them to connect, but this quickly distorts due to mental instability and power dynamics.
Time is a Form of Torture
The Call diverges from the majority of time travel films that focus on curiosity or exploration; instead, it showcases how time can be a tool for manipulation, control, revenge, and terror.
The Continuing Cycle of Trauma
The film touches upon the notion of how trauma that is left unresolved can ripple through and across generations, often resurfacing in distorted and destructive iterations.
Film Acting
The leads’ electrifying performances contribute significantly to the film’s impact.
Seo-yeon’s character is portrayed by Park Shin-hye, who gives a controlled and emotionally engaging performance. Her portrayal of a woman gradually succumbing to fear and desperation is both poignant and convincing. Park, known for roles in dramas and romance films, transforms here into a believable action and survivor figure.
Jeon Jong-seo as Young-sook steals the spotlight in the film. Her character begins as sympathetic but is horrifying as she descends into madness. Jeon’s performance is emotionally chilling and volatile, ranging from vulnerability to utter psychopathy. Young-sook transforms into one of the most memorable Korean thriller antagonists from recent years because of her astonishing performance.
The supporting cast features notable Lee El and Oh Jung-se, who contribute effectively to the film’s dark, eerie tone.
Cinematography and Direction
Lee Chung-hyun’s direction is sharp and meticulous. He keeps the suspense throughout the film while balancing horror with psychological intrigue. The film offers a feast for the eyes, and the careful lighting and color enhance time period differentiation. The past and present blend effortlessly within scenes, sometimes mid-scene, using time disorientation effects.
The production design shows the cozy domesticity of the film’s setting turned into a site of terror, revealing the duality of the film. Cordless phones and other seemingly mundane objects acquire an ominuous significance. The visuals are complemented by the soundtrack, which includes eerie ambient tones as well as jarring string elements that heighten tension without drowning the visuals.
Pacing and Structure
The film unfolds in a dynamic yet deliberate manner, revealing its intricacies like a puzzle box. With each twist in the timeline, the stakes rise and the story evolves, revealing new layers. A commendable feat of the screenplay is maintaining viewer interest amidst complex time shifts, which speaks volumes about the editing and narrative cohesion.
One of the most daring decisions taken in the film is its conclusion. Instead of providing closure, a final twist is issued that leaves viewers grappling with the questions of what’s real, what’s plausible, and what remains susceptible to change. The conclusion is deliberately ambiguous and discomforting, open for interpretation and discussion.
Reception and Legacy
The Call was released on Netflix globally, and, within no time, it was praised for its direction, originality, and performances. It drew instant international attention and became a focal point among lovers of psychological and sci-fi thrillers. Critics applauded the seamless blending of genre elements—time travel, horror, thriller—and the emotionally compelling story.
In particular, Jeon Jong-seo received praise for what many regarded as a breakout performance. The film also reignited interest in Korean genre cinema, illustrating the impact of local narratives grounded in universal themes like fear, loss, and redemption on global audiences.
Conclusion
The Call is a film that fully encapsulates the art of suspense and offers emotional and intellectual engagement. It questions the viewer about the consequences of attempting to change one’s past and whether the future is ever truly in our grasp. Acclaimed performances, meticulous direction, and a plot that leaves you questioning everything until the very last moment makes The Call one of the best Korean thrillers of the past few years, as well as an international masterpiece of time-bending psychological horror.
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