L'appel du destin

When I watched this movie almost 9 years ago, I loved it and I remember the plot and helplessness of the main protagonist, and how well it was made, every now and then. Watching the Korean remake (how to turn tables...), I think this one is weaker but still such a nice and well made little movie. It works well as a thriller and drama. I suggest you to watch the Korean one first, and then this one, both are well worth of your time.

i went to see this movie without thinking i was going to be completely engrossed in the film and its complex characters. The story starts with a young woman that is currently in divorce proceedings from her estranged husband, moving into a new apartment. Everything starts off OK except that during her settling in to her new apartment she answers the phone where a older woman on the other line asks for a man that doesn't live there. from there on a phone relationship builds with this seemingly unstable elderly woman and a lonely young woman going through a difficult divorce. in time, strange things begin to happen and the movie takes a scary turn, it becomes extremely suspenseful and scary even though there is a lack of blood and graphic violence. i found the movie very entertaining and with its numerous twists, a movie that made you have discussions afterward in the theater with your friends about who was who, what does it really mean and what was real or a dream. a must see movie!

So it's official, I either don't understand this site, or I don't understand the way people who vote/rate here think. The Caller just might be the most underrated Horror film of 2011, or even ever! So please let me start by recommending that you don't let yourself miss out on it, as you could easily find one million films that would be less fun to watch.

The plot is realistic and relatable, slightly feminist but not in an annoying criticizing way (I hate seeing socio-political agendas and messages in fiction films, regardless of what they are). Mary has recently left her abusive husband and is now living alone in a new apartment. Great acting by Rachelle Lefevre, who is very different than your usual "blond with blue eyes" in Horror films.

As for the story - one of the best most original ideas I've ever seen in a Horror film. Perhaps the idea has been done before, but it's been a first time for me. Many Horror films attempt to make the audience scared and uncomfortable by relating to the terror and despair that are felt by the characters. The Caller does that in a remarkable way that is both original (even if not ground breaking) and immensely effective! That's the way to connect cross-time from Sc-Fi to victim control in Horror!

The cinematography is slightly disappointing, and some of the shots simply appeared a little amateur, as if done by someone not very comfortable with a camera. However, the profound audio effects really make up for it, I really liked them! And to top it all - not one of the annoying overused cheats appear! No visible silicone breasts, no death on account of car not starting, not even an inability to communicate due to a cellphone having no signal! Not to mention there's no use of the corny "sudden loud music to make you jump". There are a few scenes with quiet, close-up and then sudden noise, but delicately and gently done.

All in all - I don't like rating films too high, nor too low. I always look for shortcomings on account of being a pretty easy grader. The Caller, in my opinion, deserves a heck of a lot more recognition and compliments than it's been given. I loved every second of it, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a truly well made Horror film.

Rachelle LeFevre is very good in the role as a displaced, recently divorced student in S. America wanting to make a new start and get away from abusive ex-husband.

The cinematography is very evocative, moody and suspense provoking. She is in San Juan, Puerto Rico and meets a handsome teacher Gianni Guidi, who becomes friendly toward her. Meanwhile she gets harassing calls via an ancient telephone in her apartment. An old woman, who seems at first to need help, but ten other developments ensue.

Luis Guzman has a good cameo here as sometime maintenance/owner of apartment building she lives in

There are twists and turns, the dog, the sudden appearances of sadistic ex-husband (reminds me a bit of "Sleeping with the Enemy" in beginning). However, do not tune this film out, there are Hitchcockian elements to it and the screenplay is well-written and not over the top.

The visuals are excellent and well worth watching. Don't give up on the premise, it works in the end and there are some beautiful shots of Santa Margherita cemetery. Gothic and interesting. 9/10.

"People come together for a reason Mary, doesn't matter how." After starting divorce proceedings against her husband Mary (Leferve) starts a new life in a new apartment. After a series of phone calls from a woman they begin to talk about their situations. When the woman acts on an off-handed remark by Mary she begins to rethink the friendship. When people she knows start to disappear she doesn't know how to make it stop. 90% of the way you feel about a movie, I think, has to do with your expectations going in. Movies like "Bridesmaids" with all the hype can really let you down after it's talked up as much as it was. This one is the total opposite. Never hearing of this the trailer seemed interesting so I watched it. I was blown away. A very neat (although not original) idea. Think a suspense version of the "Lake House". I don't want to give anymore away so I will end this, but this is a surprisingly good must see. I really liked this movie. Overall, a very tense and exciting suspense that deserves more of an audience that I'm sure it will get. Watch this! I give it an A-.

Would I watch again? - I think I might *Also try - Forget Me Not & Lake House