The Call
The Call Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 18, 2026
Movie Overview: The Call
| Movie | The Call |
| Release Year | 2020 |
| Director | Timothy Woodward Jr. |
| Genre | Horror / Thriller |
| Runtime | 97 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Call (2020) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Call are led by Lin Shaye . The supporting cast, including Tobin Bell and Chester Rushing , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Call does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Horror films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Call has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Horror fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Call
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2020, The Call is a Horror, Thriller film directed by Timothy Woodward Jr.. The narrative crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lin Shaye.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. In the fall of 1987, a group of small-town friends must survive the night in the home of a sinister couple after a tragic accident occurs. Needing only to make a single phone call, the request seems horribly ordinary until they realize that this call could change their life…or end it. Director Timothy Woodward Jr. uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: The Call
The Call Ending Explained: Directed by Timothy Woodward Jr., The Call attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core horror themes developed throughout the film.
The final twist encourages viewers to reconsider earlier moments in the story, particularly in scenes involving Lin Shaye. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the horror themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of The Call reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch The Call?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Call
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Worldwide Gross | $791.8K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Top Cast: The Call
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Call Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
fuboTV
Peacock Premium
AMC+ Amazon Channel
Philo
Shudder Amazon Channel
Screambox Amazon Channel
Midnight Pulp
Shudder Apple TV Channel
Amazon Prime Video with Ads
Peacock Premium Plus
Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTube
Fandango At HomeThe Call Parents Guide & Age Rating
2020 AdvisoryWondering about The Call age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Call is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Call is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2020 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Call worth watching?
The Call is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Call parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Call identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Call?
The total duration of The Call is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
