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The Call (2020) Korean movie posterTC

South Korea · Film · 2020

The Call

콜 Also known as Call

Theatrical Release · 1 min · 15+ (Violence and Suspense) Completed

Horror Mystery Supernatural Thriller
23 Nov 2020
Released
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Synopsis

Seo Yeon returns to her childhood home after years away and finds an old landline phone that rings with a call from Young Sook, a woman living in the same house, but twenty years in the past. The two strike up a friendship across the gap between their timelines, and Seo Yeon starts sharing details about Young Sook's future, including information Young Sook uses to prevent a fire that had once killed Seo Yeon's father.

Changing the past reshapes Seo Yeon's present, but the shift also lets Young Sook see the grim future that was originally waiting for her, and the discovery pushes her into a far more dangerous state of mind. Rather than stay a distant voice on the other end of the line, Young Sook starts using what she knows about Seo Yeon's life to control and threaten her from twenty years away.

As Young Sook's actions in the past keep rewriting Seo Yeon's present in increasingly violent ways, Seo Yeon is forced to fight back against someone she can only reach by phone, racing to undo the damage before Young Sook closes the distance between their two timelines for good.

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The Call cast

Main cast
Supporting cast
Guest appearances
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Best scenes

  • The tense phone calls between Seo-yeon (Park Shin Hye) and Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo) are masterfully shot, creating an eerie and suspenseful atmosphere.

  • The rooftop confrontation scene escalates the tension, blending emotional stakes with thrilling action.

  • The moment when Seo-yeon realizes the full impact of Young-sook’s interference with the past delivers a shocking plot twist.

  • The climactic showdown features intense psychological warfare, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.

  • The opening sequence sets the chilling tone with a mysterious phone call that hooks viewers instantly.

Filming locations

  • Filmed primarily in South Korea, the movie uses both urban and rural settings to emphasize isolation and suspense.

  • The old countryside house where Seo-yeon grows up is a key location, enhancing the film’s mysterious vibe.

  • Many indoor scenes were shot in tight, confined spaces, intensifying the claustrophobic feeling.

  • The use of dim lighting and shadowed rooms in the house adds to the suspenseful mood.

  • Rooftop scenes were filmed in Seoul, contrasting the claustrophobic interiors with open, exposed spaces.

Visual design and costumes

  • Seo-yeon’s modern, casual wardrobe contrasts sharply with Young-sook’s 1990s clothing, highlighting the time difference.

  • The film uses muted colors and dark tones to create a somber and eerie atmosphere.

  • Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood, with shadows often obscuring characters’ faces to build mystery.

  • The vintage phone used as the connection device is a central visual element, symbolizing the link between past and present.

  • Costume design subtly reflects each character’s personality and era, enhancing authenticity.

Themes and messages

  • Explores the consequences of altering the past and the fragile nature of time.

  • Highlights themes of fate, free will, and how choices impact our lives.

  • Examines psychological trauma and survival instincts through the characters’ intense struggles.

  • Reflects on the power of communication and human connection across time.

  • Raises questions about identity and how much the past shapes who we become.

Interesting facts

  • The Call was a breakout film for Jeon Jong-seo, earning her critical acclaim and international recognition.

  • Park Shin Hye took on a darker, more complex role compared to her previous works, showcasing her versatility.

  • The film was praised for its innovative storyline and tight screenplay by director Lee Chung-hyun.

  • The eerie phone calls between two timelines became a popular subject for social media discussions and memes.

  • The Call is often compared to other Korean thrillers but stands out due to its unique time-twisting plot and strong female leads.

Real-life loves on set

There are no verified reports or public information about a real-life romance developing between the cast members of The Call. While the film features strong on-screen chemistry and intense relationships, the actors, including Park Shin Hye and Jeon Jong Seo, have kept their personal lives private, and no confirmed off-screen romantic relationships related to the film have been announced.

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