The Call

Movie Trailer

Release Date
October 2, 2020

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Lin Shaye as Edith Cranston
• Tobin Bell as Edward Cranston
• Chester Rushing as Chris
• Erin Sanders as Tonya
• Mike Manning as Zack
• Sloane Morgan Siegel as Brett

Director
Timothy Woodward Jr.

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Final Wish (2018)
• American Violence (2017)
• Gangster Land (2017)

Producer
Jeffrey Reddick, Timothy Woodward Jr., Luke Daniels

Writer
Patrick Stibbs

Budget
$1 million (estimated)

Production Company
BondIt Media Capital, Global Renaissance Entertainment Group, Call Productions

Running Time
97 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Intense horror scenes
• Violence
• Disturbing imagery
• Strong language

Movie Story
“The Call” is a supernatural horror-thriller that taps into the unsettling idea of revenge from beyond the grave. The film is set in the small town of Crestwood, where a group of friends—Chris (Chester Rushing), Tonya (Erin Sanders), Zack (Mike Manning), and Brett (Sloane Morgan Siegel)—find themselves at the mercy of a sinister couple, Edith (Lin Shaye) and Edward Cranston (Tobin Bell).

The story begins in the 1980s, a time when Edith Cranston is feared by the townspeople, rumored to be a witch after a series of tragic events surrounding her and her husband. The four friends, driven by their own misguided beliefs and personal vendettas, decide to terrorize Edith, leading to a series of tragic events that culminate in her death. But Edith, with her dying breath, promises revenge, setting the stage for the chilling events that follow.

Soon after her death, the group receives a mysterious phone call that forces them to visit the Cranstons’ old home. There, they are confronted by Edith’s widower, Edward, who reveals that they must participate in a deadly game. Each of them must make a call to a phone connected to the other side, where Edith waits to exact her revenge. What begins as a simple dare quickly spirals into a terrifying ordeal as each call brings them face to face with their worst fears and deepest regrets.

“The Call” masterfully builds tension, with each character’s backstory slowly unraveling to reveal the reasons behind Edith’s wrath. The film explores themes of guilt, retribution, and the consequences of one’s actions, all wrapped up in a suspenseful narrative that keeps the audience on edge. As the characters are picked off one by one, the film crescendos to a horrifying climax, where the full extent of Edith’s supernatural powers is revealed.

Special Effects
The special effects in “The Call” are designed to create a haunting atmosphere, using a combination of practical effects and CGI to bring Edith’s supernatural revenge to life. The film’s visual style is dark and moody, with eerie lighting and unsettling set designs that contribute to the overall sense of dread. The effects are particularly effective in the scenes involving the phone calls, where reality and the supernatural collide.

Box Office Performance
“The Call” had a limited release, primarily in select theaters and on video-on-demand platforms. It performed modestly at the box office, appealing mainly to horror fans who appreciate classic supernatural themes and strong performances from genre veterans like Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “You all made your choices. Now you must pay the price.” – Edith Cranston
• “You can’t escape the past, no matter how far you run.” – Edward Cranston

Behind-the-Scenes

• Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell, both well-known figures in the horror genre, bring a level of gravitas to the film that elevates its tension and credibility. Their performances are a highlight, with Shaye’s portrayal of Edith being particularly chilling.
• The film’s 1980s setting is enhanced by its visual style, which pays homage to the era’s horror films, blending nostalgia with contemporary horror elements.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Call” is a solid entry into the supernatural horror genre, offering a blend of suspense, psychological terror, and classic ghost story elements. While it may not break new ground in terms of narrative, its execution, particularly the performances of Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell, makes it an enjoyable watch for horror enthusiasts. The film’s atmosphere, combined with its eerie premise, ensures it will leave a lasting impression on those who appreciate tales of revenge from beyond the grave.

IMDb Rating
4.3/10