The Call (2013)

The Call is a claustrophobic thriller that simultaneously disbands the tropes of the genre whilst mending together the fragments of Halle Berry’s crumbling credence as a noteworthy actress. Director Brad Anderson knows what it takes to helm a psychological examination into human neuroses and instinct (Session 9, The Machinist), so his latest feature couldn’t be in more capable hands. 

Berry plays Jordan – a seasoned 911 operator for the LA police racked with guilt over the mistake she made that led to the murder of a young girl. Months and a promotion later, Jordan had all but put down the headset for good when she is presented with a chance at redemption in the form of the abducted Casey (Abigail Breslin), who is making the emergency call from the car boot of a serial killer. 

Halle Berry on the job as Jordan

What you see is largely irrelevant; mostly police procedure reminiscent of any number of crime titles. What you hear, however, is more visceral and torturous than anything the image of corn syrup-covered prosthetics can believably convey. Utilising modern telecommunications as a plot device with more mastery than Larry Cohen (Phone Booth, Cellular), writer Richard D’Ovidio intermittently intertwines the measured poignancy of emotional drama with the increasing tension of the situation, building an engaging relationship between the collaborating protagonists. 

It’s only when Jordan ignores protocol, going above and beyond the call of duty that it becomes apparent that, somehow, even without the tight-fitting outfit and superpowers, Berry has managed to end up in yet another trashy superhero movie. Jordan abandons her post, singlehandedly locating the maniac’s lair and freeing Casey. The damsel in distress then becomes Jordan’s sidekick and the pair dish out vigilante-style justice on The Call’s textbook Hollywood psychopath, Michael (Michael Eklund). Clearly, the urge to add a no holds barred stipulation to proceedings was too much to resist for the film’s producers, WWE Studios. 

Rating: 2.75/5