Reviews: The Call (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery
Subgenres: Killer, Psychological, Survival, Thriller, Home Invasion, Maniac, Serial Killer, Stalker, Suburbs, Thrill Kill
HellHorror’s review of The Call (2020) breaks down the plot, scares, cast performances, and its lasting impact on the horror genre.
The Call (2020) is a supernatural horror-thriller that attempts to blend revenge, trauma, and the supernatural into a single narrative. Directed by Timothy Woodward Jr., the film follows a group of teenagers in the late 1980s who are forced to make a mysterious phone call after being lured into the home of an eccentric elderly couple, Edith and Edward Cranston (played by horror legends Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell). What starts as a harmless dare quickly turns into a nightmare of psychological torment and supernatural horror.
The Call (2020) – A Missed Opportunity in Horror Thriller Genre
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The story presents themes of guilt, retribution, and the dangers of meddling with forces beyond comprehension. However, the execution feels unfocused, and the characters—aside from the two horror veterans—are mostly underdeveloped and unlikable. While the premise is intriguing, it struggles to maintain consistent tension and momentum.
Acting and Cinematography
Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell steal the show. Their performances bring gravitas and eeriness to an otherwise lackluster cast. Shaye, in particular, delivers a chilling and unpredictable presence that keeps the audience guessing. Unfortunately, the younger cast members fail to bring depth to their roles, making it difficult to invest in their fates.
Visually, The Call is competent but uninspired. The dark, muted color palette and dim lighting help create a moody atmosphere, but the film lacks standout visual moments that elevate it above standard direct-to-video horror films. Some dreamlike sequences add a surreal touch, but they feel more disconnected than immersive.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Director Timothy Woodward Jr. delivers a film that has moments of promise but ultimately feels formulaic and underwhelming. The pacing is inconsistent—some scenes drag, while others feel rushed, making it difficult to stay engaged.
Strengths:
- Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell deliver compelling performances – Their presence alone adds credibility and eerie intensity to the film.
- Intriguing premise – The idea of a phone call unlocking supernatural horror is a strong setup.
- Some well-crafted eerie moments – A few scenes create effective tension, but not enough to sustain the entire movie.
Weaknesses:
- Uninspired execution – The film wastes its premise, failing to deliver meaningful scares or deeper psychological horror.
- Underdeveloped characters – The younger cast is bland and unlikable, making it difficult to care about their survival.
- Inconsistent pacing – The film alternates between slow, meandering sequences and rushed revelations that lack proper buildup.
- Predictable plot twists – It follows familiar horror tropes without adding anything truly fresh or innovative.
Final Verdict: 4/10
The Call is a missed opportunity that wastes a strong horror concept and two legendary genre actors. While Lin Shaye and Tobin Bell elevate the material, the uninspired direction, weak supporting cast, and predictable story make this a forgettable horror experience. Unless you’re a fan of either horror veteran, this one might not be worth answering.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Call Rating Scores
- Our Score: 4/10
- Overall Score: 4.26/10
- IMDB: 4.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 4.6/10
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