Calls

Knowing nothing about this show, I decided to check out IMDb. I was confused as to why the rating was relatively high when the show was apparently just about a bunch of phone calls. I'm glad I decided to give it a try. Being a sci-fi fan, I binged watched every episode on my iPad.

The visuals are part of the story. You pick up pretty quickly that they are "Visual time streams." I found I could connect and anticipate plot points, not only by listening, but by watching how the visuals change. As the episodes progress, things become ever more interconnected. I believe the show was helped by having several well-known actors participate in it. They make it possible for the viewer to experience the most important thing with science fiction: suspension of disbelief.

Some reviewers have suggested just listening to the show, like an old radio serial. I believe it's much better to listen AND watch the visuals, because they help guide you through the events. For me, it turned out to be a really interesting way to experience something like "black mirror," but in a VERY different way. I think anybody can enjoy the show, but people who like science fiction with a touch of thriller will probably be its core audience.

Since it's not a heavy investment, each episode is only about 15 minutes, watch at least the first two episodes. By then you will know if you want to stick with it or not.

Calls (2021) is a groundbreaking and immersive series that explores the limits of storytelling through sound. Created by Timothée Hochet, the show is a collection of eerie and suspenseful stories told entirely through phone calls.

Each episode of Calls takes the form of a single phone conversation, accompanied by minimalistic visual effects and soundscapes that create a palpable sense of tension and unease. The stories range from the supernatural to the mundane, with each one leaving the audience on the edge of their seat.

What sets Calls apart is its innovative approach to storytelling. By relying solely on sound, the show creates a unique and immersive experience that draws the listener in and engages their imagination. The use of subtle sound effects, such as breathing and footsteps, adds to the feeling of intimacy and realism, making the stories feel all the more visceral and immediate.

The cast of Calls is also exceptional, with a range of talented actors bringing their characters to life through their voices alone. The use of multiple languages and accents adds to the diversity and richness of the show, with each conversation feeling like a glimpse into a different world.

The writing in Calls is also exceptional, with each story being meticulously crafted to maximize the impact of its twists and turns. The use of repetition and variation in the dialogue adds to the feeling of disorientation and confusion, making the stories all the more unsettling.

In conclusion, Calls is a must-see (or must-listen) for anyone who appreciates innovative and immersive storytelling. The show is a masterclass in the power of sound, and a testament to the creativity and imagination of its creators. With exceptional performances, gripping stories, and a unique approach to storytelling, this is a series that will keep you hooked from start to finish.

I mean no offense, but my only thought reading the negative reviews is the haters may be illiterate or have a disorder that would preclude them from being able to enjoy something through the use of reading, auditory sensory input, imagination, beautiful effective visuals and a captivating sci-fi story. I'm sorry for these individuals, although am nonetheless surprised they managed to write their reviews using actual words they had to type and view on a screen (like those in the show).... That must've been a lot of work for them. Or they used a transcriber.

On a more serious note (not that the preceding wasn't serious), it did NOT cross my thoughts even once that the lack of live action or animated humans would be an issue. The sleek, colorful waves that dance around the screen uniquely combine with the tactical resizing and locations of subtitles to capture the plights told by the overall terrific voice actors obscenely well, and amplifies the part where the viewers' imagination comes in to complete the picture.

Virtually all books I've read are better than their screen adaptations, and this multimedia book of sorts manages to intermingle the literary, audio and visual dimensions painfully well, not unlike its subject matter.

Calls delivers a scary, sinister yet empathic and human story. Through the use of immersive, hypnotic and beautifully sound designed filmmaking. If you like science fiction and immersive storytelling, this is definitely worth a watch, or should I say listen? Anyway, some have said this is just a podcast with fancy background, but I don't think so. This series differs from other podcast-like series by having extraordinary talented actors and actresses.

Watched Calls in it's entirety in just one day. I must say it was really enjoyable I had an absolute blast watching this show. So many creepy episodes, it's so amazing how every episode is connected and its all linked. I really hope this gets renewed for a 2nd season genuinely excellent show with such a unique concept.