Written and directed by Lee Chung-hyun

How to avoid something that happened in the past? This is the central challenge of The Call, another exciting example of South Korean dramaturgy, available on Netflix. Featuring lead star Park Shin-Hye and rising actress Jeon Jong-seo, this thriller portrays two women who connect through a mysterious landline. The production establishes its protagonists’ world and mental state in a genuinely disturbing way.  At first, their connection can be a beautiful and essential friendship to help them in their unique situations. However, strange notions about this relationship are violently squashed when the true nature of everything is revealed, and it’s thrilling to watch it all unfold. Despite the typical time-travel plot twists, the movie still delivers solid entertainment. With captivating acting, it weaves a suspenseful atmosphere that holds your interest until the end. A fascinating aspect, especially for international viewers, is its fusion of standard horror tropes with Korean culture. The setting, reminiscent of a classic haunted house with gothic features, adds an intriguing layer to the story.

Image courtesy of Netflix