Synopsis: When a veteran 911 operator takes a life-altering call from a teenage girl who has just been abducted, she realizes that she must confront a killer from her past in order to save the girl’s life.
My Quick Review: The call, starring Halle Berry and directed by Brad Anderson (Session 9, The Machinist, Transsiberian) is an exciting thriller that keeps the momentum going for most of its running time.
I’m actually surprised that nobody before, at least to my knowledge, did a movie around 911 operators. Talking about a stressful job!! I don’t think people realise how difficult this job actually is. You really need to keep your cool at all times and be a fine psychologist to handle the many different incoming calls, some trivial, some really time sensisitive (break-ins, and in this case kidnapping).
I had a much better time watching The Call than I did, Buried, a movie with a similar concept of somebody in a tight space with a phone. Of course the comparison stops there but I like how Brad Anderson mixed the intimacy of the situation (2 individuals on a phone) and the bigger scope (police chase, the kidnapper attempt to escape).
Halle Berry does a fine job as the 911 operator but once again Abigail Breslin (Zombieland) proves she has serious acting chops.
Unfortunately, I did not care much for the ending. It was a little too serial-killer cliche for me (Silence of the lambs and Maniac, seen recently come to mind) but at that point i already had a good time so it did not matter that much.
The Call is an efficient thriller-ride that does almost everything right (apart the ending) and delivers on its promises.
My Rating: 6.5/10
Director: Brad Anderson
Year: 2013
Origin: USA
One of the best films I’ve watched this year.