Hello everyone! This time I'm back to review a Korean film that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish... it's called The Call. I watched this because I was really curious about how a story could be so scary just through a phone call between two people from different eras... and one more thing that made me even more interested was the incredible acting of Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo.
Two Women, One House, and a Phone Call That Changed Everything
The film's story begins when Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) returns to her childhood home and accidentally finds an old, working telephone. Surprisingly, she begins receiving mysterious calls from Oh Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), a girl who happens to live in the same house… but in 1999. Yes, they live in the same place, but separated by 20 years. At first, I thought this would be a unique story of friendship across time. It turns out to be much more than that.
Seo yeon and Young sook became close, their relationship felt warm and filled the void in each other's lives. And the most touching thing in my opinion was when Young sook managed to save Seo yeon's father from a fire in the past... then made Seo yeon's life in the present change for the better. Her father came back to life, the atmosphere at home became happier... That scene moved me... How one small action from the past can change the entire future.
I should have realized from the start that this was a thriller... not a typical friendship drama.
Trouble arises when Young Sook ask Seo Yeon to find out about her future. And when she learns that her future life is unhappy… everything changes. Young Sook is angry, disappointed, and begins to harbor revenge... Suddenly, their once-close relationship turns into a nightmare. Jeon Jong Seo's acting is truly extraordinary here. Her transformation from an innocent girl to a psychopathic woman is truly spine-chilling... Honestly,I had to pause several times because it was so tense.
Meanwhile, Seo Yeon is the victim of all these changes… Her life keeps changing every time the phone rings. Sometimes her father is alive, sometimes he's missing. Her mother suddenly disappears. It's like playing a constantly changing puzzle. I've thought several times, "If I were in Seo Yeon's position... would I be able to stay sane?". Accepting the fact that life could change drastically just because of one phone call from the past? That's crazy!
Trauma, Regret, and the Mother-Daughter Relationship
One of the things I loved about this "The Call" movie is the relationship between Seo Yeon and her mother. There were many emotional moments that made me realize how important parents are. As the past changes, Seo Yeon begins to realize that she has been blaming her mother too much. The regret and longing are palpable, especially when she tries to save her mother from Young Sook's threats. This film also shows how past trauma can shape someone into a cruel and control-hungry person. It's not just about time, but also about wounds and decisions.
Tense Visuals and Sound
In terms of cinematography, The Call is stunning... The transitions between the past and the present are seamless and never leave the audience confused... The house as the main setting feels truly lonely, gloomy, and full of mystery. The soundtrack also complements the film perfectly. The sound of a ringing telephone, crying, strange sounds from the past… all add to the tension.
Park Shin Hye and Jeon Jong Seo = The Perfect Combination
Park Shin Hye shows her more mature acting skills here. It's so different from her previous romantic roles... I could feel her fear and desperation just from her facial expressions. But honestly, Jeon Jong Seo stole the show. Her portrayal of a psychopath is truly unusual... She's not only scary, but also very human in her anger, and that's what makes it even scarier.
Conclusion
For me, The Call isn't just a time-travel thriller... It's also about consequences, regret, and how one small choice can change everything... Scary, emotional, and thought-provoking.Recommended? Absolutely! But be prepared mentally. This film isn't for those who panic easily or can't handle tense scenes... Thank you for reading my review about the call movie! If you could call someone from the past… what would you change?
Devy Swan is an ordinary person. She has many dreams that have not been achieved but she still tries to make them come true one by one. Becoming a writer is one of her dreams. Being able to write on this platform is one of her prides and she is very grateful. Devy's hobbies are cooking, singing, and traveling.
