When a Stranger Calls
Performance & Direction: When a Stranger Calls Review
Last updated: January 22, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is When a Stranger Calls (2006) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. 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 When a Stranger Calls features a noteworthy lineup led by Camilla Belle . Supported by the likes of Katie Cassidy and Tommy Flanagan , 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 When a Stranger Calls (2006) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: When a Stranger Calls
Quick Plot Summary: When a Stranger Calls is a Horror, Mystery 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.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. Far away from the site of a gruesome murder, a teenager named Jill Johnson arrives at a luxurious home for a baby-sitting job. With the children fast asleep, she settles in for what she expects to be an ordinary evening. Soon, the ringing of a phone and the frightening words of a sadistic caller turn Jill's routine experience into a night of terror. The film 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: When a Stranger Calls
Ending Breakdown: When a Stranger Calls attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, 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 When a Stranger Calls reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch When a Stranger Calls?
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: When a Stranger Calls
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $67.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
When a Stranger Calls Budget
The estimated production budget for When a Stranger Calls is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: When a Stranger Calls
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Where to Watch When a Stranger Calls Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeWhen a Stranger Calls Parents Guide & Age Rating
2006 AdvisoryWondering about When a Stranger Calls age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of When a Stranger Calls is 87 minutes (1h 27m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, When a Stranger Calls stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2006 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is When a Stranger Calls worth watching?
When a Stranger Calls is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find When a Stranger Calls parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for When a Stranger Calls identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of When a Stranger Calls?
The total duration of When a Stranger Calls is 87 minutes, which is approximately 1h 27m long.
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Critic Reviews for When a Stranger Calls
“When a Stranger Calls” is a psychological thriller remake that offers a tense and engaging storyline, effectively building suspense through strong acting and solid cinematography. However, the film struggles with several plot inconsistencies and unrealistic character decisions that may leave viewers questioning its logic. Despite its flaws, the movie remains an entertaining choice for fans of suspenseful thrillers. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) and (English version : uwiepuspita.com)
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.
