Performance & Direction: The Phone Call Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Phone Call (1989) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 2.3/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Phone Call features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael Sarrazin . Supported by the likes of Linda E. Smith and Ron Lea , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Phone Call (1989) is negative. With an audience rating of 2.3/10, it stands as a challenging project that may struggle to find an audience.
Story & Plot Summary: The Phone Call
Quick Plot Summary: The Phone Call is a Horror, Drama, TV Movie film that 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 and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: The Phone Call
Ending Breakdown: The Phone Call attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Phone Call reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Phone 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
Top Cast: The Phone Call
All Cast & Crew →
The Phone Call Parents Guide & Age Rating
1989 AdvisoryWondering about The Phone Call age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Phone Call is 90 minutes (1h 30m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 2.3/10, and global performance metrics, The Phone Call is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1989 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Phone Call worth watching?
The Phone Call is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 2.3/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Phone Call parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Phone Call identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Phone Call?
The total duration of The Phone Call is 90 minutes, which is approximately 1h 30m long.
How The Phone Call Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Phone Call
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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.
