The Call

The Call

Year: 2020

Runtime: 95 min

Language: Korean

Director: Timothy Woodward Jr.

Horror

A frantic 911 call connects two women separated by time. One caller is trapped in a terrifying past, while the other struggles to survive in the present. As the connection deepens, they discover a shared torment and must confront the disturbing events that bind them. Their fight for freedom intertwines past and present, blurring the lines between what is real and what is a haunting echo.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Call (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Call (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1999, 2019

The film spans two distinct time periods, 1999 and 2019. In 1999, the traumatic past of Young-sook is revealed, culminating in her tragic fate, while 2019 showcases Seo-yeon's present, filled with the consequences of their intertwined lives.

Location

rural hospital, childhood home

The movie takes place predominantly in a rural hospital where Kim Seo-yeon visits her ailing mother, and in her dilapidated childhood home where significant events unfold. The childhood home is laden with memories and secrets that help connect two timelines, making it a pivotal location in the narrative.

🏥 Hospital 🏡 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Main Characters – The Call (2020)

Meet the key characters of The Call (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kim Seo-yeon

Seo-yeon is a 28-year-old woman grappling with her family's painful history. Her journey toward helping Young-sook reveals her strength and determination, while also exposing her vulnerabilities and feelings of guilt related to her father's tragic past.

👩‍🦰 Protagonist 😢 Guilt

Oh Young-sook

Young-sook is a tragic character, trapped in an abusive environment and ultimately becomes a reflection of the choices made on both sides. Her interactions with Seo-yeon expose her desperation and darkness, leading to her horrific actions as she seeks to change her fate.

👩‍🦲 Antagonist 🚫 Abuse

Eun-ae (Seo-yeon's mother)

Eun-ae is portrayed as a loving yet flawed mother whose past actions inadvertently contribute to the tragic outcomes. Her relationship with Seo-yeon highlights the theme of familial bonds and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

👩‍👧 Mother ❤️ Love

Sung-ho (the local strawberry farmer)

Sung-ho serves as a symbol of normalcy and innocence within the story. His character intertwines with the lives of Seo-yeon and Young-sook, ultimately marking the impacts of violence and trauma brought upon by their choices.

🍓 Farmer 🙁 Tragedy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Major Themes – The Call (2020)

Explore the central themes of The Call (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⏳ Time Travel

The concept of time travel is central to the film, as Seo-yeon and Young-sook communicate across two critical years. Their ability to alter past events creates a complex web of consequences, raising questions about fate and free will.

🖤 Darkness

The theme of darkness permeates the movie, exploring the sinister influences of abuse, revenge, and the haunting consequences of one's choices. Young-sook's transformation into a killer exemplifies how pain can twist a person's identity.

👨‍👧 Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the characters’ motivations. Seo-yeon's guilt over her father's death and her bond with her mother underline the complexities of familial love, leading to choices that significantly impact their lives.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:20

Unlock the Full Story of The Call

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Call in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Call is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Call Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Call, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Call Summary

The Call Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Call with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Call Timeline

More About The Call

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Call: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Call

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Discover movies like The Call that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.

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