The Caller

The premise of this movie is actually somewhat interesting, even though it's pretty clearly "borrowed" from Frequency. I'm sure it was pitched as "Frequency meets 100 Feet (the Eric Red movie from 2008)". It's not the worst idea I've heard, though it's definitely derivative. The problem is that they never really got any further than that, and it plays out rather stereotypically, with heavy-handed direction, bland characters, trite plotting, and weak dialogue. What really saved the movie, however, was Lorna Raver, who played the crazy gypsy woman in Drag Me To Hell. Man, that woman is creepy! Just hearing her voice on the phone was enough to creep me out. Without her, this movie would only be a 4/10. I'm tempted to give this movie a 6/10, just because of her, but she was the only good thing in it, really.

There are a few times when you're left scratching your head, wondering why the characters are so dumb, but these kinds of thrillers absolutely depend on stupid characters doing things that defy all common sense. If that kind of thing annoys you, I'd avoid this movie. Otherwise, if you're not expecting much and lower your expectations, you might find this an enjoyable waste of time. It's nothing special, but it's not offensively bad, either. If you liked this movie, I'd suggest checking out 100 Feet, a supernatural thriller featuring an abused wife trying to convince people that she's being haunted by her dead, abusive husband. It wasn't amazing, but it was significantly better than this movie. Obviously, there's also Frequency, but that was played much more straight, without the B movie vibe of 100 Feet or The Caller.

I had very little expectations from this film. It didn't look like it had much of a budget and no actors that I'd heard of (okay, so I sort of recognised the main woman from Twilight, but that was about it). However, in this case, less is slightly more (or at least slightly more than the average dross that infests modern horror films).

I wouldn't call The Caller a horror, more of a supernatural thriller. It's about a single woman (aren't they all?) who gets some mysterious phone calls. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but it presents a pretty creepy premise which finds her trapped in a spiralling cycle of torture and paranoia from a very nasty supernatural adversary.

The Caller is a 'slow burner.' This is why it's probably not for everyone. Nothing too out of the ordinary happens in the first half and I can see a lot of people giving up before it really gets going. However, the second act cranks it up a gear and the torment really begins. There are no major scares or gore to speak of; it's more a case of inescapable mental torture.

If you can put up with your films a little slower than normal and without any action, effects or gore then give it a go - all performances better than your average horror/supernatural flick and a slightly different premise which really works.

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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 totally agree with the other reviewers that say that the film is not your average horror, it draws you in and is very clever and is a very good film of the horror genre without being a total cop out in the slasher come blood guts type, and its the story line that gives it its power, excellent.I know of a lot of this type that do not deliver in the way that you wish, but this film does not operate in the visceral way ,its more of the mind and makes you think more of what comes next, believe me , this film is better than most run of the mill films of this type.

horror films and I would recommend it most highly to anyone that appreciates intelligent but not over the top dark, but not total degenerate films of that ilk, I hope this has helped your choice.

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.