The Call

The year 1999 serves as a pivotal point in the story, particularly for Young-sook, as it marks her traumatic childhood under the care of an abusive adoptive mother. This time period reflects the struggles of orphans and the dark realities of family dynamics, ultimately shaping the characters' destinies. The ability to communicate across time emphasizes the gravity of their actions in altering their realities.

Seo-yeon's childhood home is a dilapidated structure filled with haunting memories and remnants of the past. The hidden basement reveals secrets from previous occupants, providing a glimpse into the lives and traumas that unfolded within its walls. The contrasts between the original home and its transformed version highlight the impact of time and choices.

⏳ Time Travel

The theme of time travel is central to the narrative, as Seo-yeon and Young-sook's conversations span across different years. This thematic element explores how actions in the past can significantly alter the present and future, creating a tension-filled narrative of responsibility and consequence. The manipulation of time raises questions about fate and free will.

🔪 Survival

Survival is a dominant theme in the movie, especially for Young-sook, who is forced to make drastic and violent decisions to escape her grim reality. The lengths to which she goes to protect herself illustrate the depths of desperation that can arise from abusive situations. Seo-yeon's attempts to save her father entwine her fate with Young-sook’s, reflecting the struggle for survival across generations.

💔 Family Trauma

Family trauma pervades the movie, showcasing the wounds inflicted by familial relationships. Seo-yeon's troubled past, marked by her father's tragic death and her strained relationship with her mother, contrasts with Young-sook’s experiences of mistreatment. The exploration of these traumas serves to highlight how the scars of the past can influence current family dynamics.