“Call,” a 2020 South Korean thriller directed by Lee Chung-hyun, is a riveting exploration of time, fate, and psychological terror. The film masterfully combines elements of suspense and horror, drawing viewers into a tense narrative that keeps them on edge until the very end.
The story centers on two women, Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) and Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), who are connected by an old cordless phone in the same house, but 20 years apart. Seo-yeon, living in the present, discovers the phone after moving back into her childhood home. Young-sook, on the other end, is in 1999, living a life of abuse under her shaman stepmother’s control. What starts as a seemingly harmless connection quickly spirals into a nightmare when the two women realize they can alter each other’s past and present.
The film’s initial premise is fascinating, with Seo-yeon and Young-sook forming an uneasy friendship as they explore the possibilities of changing their lives through the phone. Seo-yeon helps Young-sook by warning her of her mother’s deadly intentions, which leads to Young-sook killing her mother in self-defense. This act sets off a chain of events that drastically alter the present, initially for the better, as Seo-yeon’s life improves with her father’s return from the dead.
However, the film takes a dark turn as Young-sook’s true nature is revealed. Freed from her mother’s abuse, she becomes increasingly unhinged and starts using the phone to manipulate and control Seo-yeon’s life. The power dynamics shift dramatically, with Young-sook leveraging her knowledge of future events to terrorize Seo-yeon, who is helpless to stop her.
Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of Young-sook is chilling and mesmerizing. She transforms from a sympathetic victim to a psychopathic villain with disturbing ease, creating a character that is both unpredictable and terrifying. Park Shin-hye delivers a compelling performance as Seo-yeon, capturing her transition from hopeful to desperate as she battles against Young-sook’s escalating threats.
The film’s suspense is heightened by its clever use of time manipulation. Each change in the past has immediate and often horrifying consequences in the present, creating a sense of urgency and inevitability. The visual and sound design enhance this tension, with sharp cuts and eerie audio cues that keep the audience constantly on edge.
One of the film’s most effective sequences is the final confrontation between Seo-yeon and Young-sook. As Seo-yeon races to prevent her mother’s death in the past, the scenes intercut with Young-sook’s frenzied attempts to kill Seo-yeon’s mother in 1999. The climax is both thrilling and emotionally charged, culminating in a shocking twist: Young-sook’s future self emerges, suggesting that the cycle of terror will continue.
“Call” excels in its ability to maintain a tight, suspenseful narrative while exploring complex themes of destiny and free will. The relationship between the two women is the film’s emotional core, making the psychological cat-and-mouse game even more engaging. The ending, while ambiguous, leaves a lasting impact, inviting viewers to ponder the cyclical nature of their fates.
Overall, “Call” is a standout thriller that combines innovative storytelling with strong performances and atmospheric tension. It is a testament to the strength of South Korean cinema, offering a gripping, thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.
Cinephile 
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