🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Brad Anderson
- Genre: Thriller, Crime, Mystery, Drama
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 36min
- IMDb rating: 6.7/10 (190K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 45%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Halle Berry answers a phone, gets mad, and then becomes Batman.
🍿 The Call: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A 911 Operator’s Regret
Jordan Turner, a seasoned 911 operator, faces a harrowing situation when she receives a call from a teenage girl, Leah, during a home invasion. Jordan’s attempt to guide Leah to safety takes a tragic turn when a critical mistake leads to Leah’s death. Haunted by guilt, Jordan steps away from active call duty, questioning her ability to handle the immense pressure.

A Second Chance
Six months later, Jordan works as a trainer for new 911 operators. During a training session, another call comes in – a teenage girl, Casey, has been kidnapped and is trapped in the trunk of a car. The rookie operator struggles to cope with the situation, and Jordan instinctively takes over. Using her experience, Jordan tries to keep Casey calm while gathering information to help the authorities locate her.

The Desperate Search
Jordan coaches Casey on how to attract attention and provide clues to her location. Casey manages to break a tail light and signal to other drivers. As the kidnapper evades capture, Jordan realizes the chilling truth – the voice on the phone is the same man who killed Leah. Driven by a desire for redemption, Jordan becomes determined to save Casey, no matter the cost.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jordan Turner (Halle Berry): A veteran 911 operator haunted by a past mistake who must use her skills to save a kidnapped teenager.
- Casey Welson (Abigail Breslin): A resourceful teenager who is abducted and must rely on her wits and a 911 operator to survive.
- Michael Foster (Michael Eklund): A disturbed serial killer who kidnaps young women resembling his deceased sister and collects their hair.
- Officer Paul Phillips (Morris Chestnut): Jordan’s boyfriend and a police officer who supports her while investigating the kidnapping case.
- Leah Templeton (Evie Thompson): A teenage girl who calls 911 during a home invasion and becomes a past victim connected to Jordan.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Michael Foster: “It’s already done!” – The chilling phrase the kidnapper says to Jordan when she is trying to save Leah, encapsulating his cold-blooded nature.
- Jordan Turner: “Okay, Casey, listen to me. You’re going to get through this.” – Jordan trying to calm Casey and to give her instructions on how to survive while being trapped in the trunk.
- Jordan Turner: “It’s already done!” – Said by Jordan to the kidnapper at the end of the movie, as she and Casey leave him to die in his underground lair, echoing his earlier words.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $13,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $51,872,378
- Worldwide Gross: $68,572,631
💥 The Call Reviews
Personal Review
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! Halle Berry really sold the anxiety and determination of the 911 operator. The scenes where Abigail Breslin is in the trunk were so intense, I could feel her fear. I think what got me was how real it felt right up until the third act which pulled me out of the story. Still, a thrilling ride for most of the movie.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of suspenseful thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in crime dramas”
- “Those who appreciate strong female leads”
- “Audiences looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat experience”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence and disturbing content”
- “Kidnapping and abduction themes”
- “Intense and suspenseful scenes”
- “Some graphic images”
Professional Reviews
- The Wrap: “A tense thriller carried by Halle Berry’s performance as a 911 operator confronting a past mistake. The movie falters in its third act, sacrificing realism for a somewhat predictable and less satisfying climax, but it’s still worth the watch if you are looking for a tense, well-acted thriller.
- Indiewire: “Brad Anderson delivers a competently made thriller elevated by Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin’s performances. Although the final act loses momentum and descends into cliché, the film successfully explores the psychological toll on emergency responders.
Audience Reactions
The suspense and tension were incredibly high, making it a thrilling watch.: Viewers appreciated the edge-of-your-seat suspense and strong performances, especially Berry and Breslin
The detail put into showing what a 911 operator goes through was interesting.: Viewers liked the glimpse into the world of 911 operators and the realism of the earlier parts of the film
Overall Consensus: A suspenseful thriller that delivers a gripping experience, with strong performances from Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin, despite a weaker and somewhat unbelievable ending.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Originally conceived as a television series, the story was adapted into a feature film.”
- “Halle Berry has stated that she spent time with real 911 operators to prepare for her role, learning about their procedures and the emotional toll the job takes.”
- “The film’s climax was shot in a practical underground set, adding to the claustrophobic and intense atmosphere.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Call?
You can stream ‘The Call’ on various platforms. It’s available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options as well. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Call, you might like these similar films:
- Cellular (2004): Features a similar plot of someone receiving a call for help from a kidnapped victim and racing against time to save them.
- Misery (1990): Deals with a character held captive and at the mercy of a deranged captor, creating intense suspense and psychological horror.
- Don’t Breathe (2016): Focuses on characters trapped in a confined space, trying to outsmart a dangerous adversary.
🛒 The Call Related Products
- Halle Berry Autographed ‘The Call’ Movie Poster: A rare autographed poster featuring Halle Berry, a must-have for fans and collectors. Authenticity guaranteed. A great showpiece for any collection.
- ‘The Call’ Inspired 911 Operator Role Play Set for Kids: Includes a toy headset, microphone, and emergency call scenarios to help kids understand and appreciate the work of 911 operators. Features realistic sounds and call scenarios to simulate real emergency situations.
- ‘The Call’ Movie-Inspired Graphic T-Shirt: High-quality cotton T-shirt featuring a stylized graphic inspired by the movie ‘The Call’. Show your love for this thriller with comfortable and stylish apparel. Available in various sizes.
- ‘Criminal Minds’ Complete Series DVD Set: If you loved the psychological aspects of ‘The Call’, dive into ‘Criminal Minds’. Explore the minds of criminals and the dedicated team of FBI profilers who pursue them. Over 300 hours of thrilling content.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Call features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘The Call’ is a fictional story, although it draws inspiration from real-life 911 calls and the experiences of emergency dispatchers. The film aims to portray the high-pressure environment and the critical role these operators play.
The killer is Michael Foster, played by Michael Eklund. His motive stems from a disturbing obsession with his deceased sister, Melinda, who died from leukemia. He seeks to recreate her image by abducting and scalping young women with blonde hair, reminiscent of his sister before she lost her hair.
The ending is controversial because Jordan and Casey choose to leave the kidnapper to die in his underground lair instead of involving the authorities. This raises moral questions about vigilantism, revenge, and the role of law enforcement. Many viewers found this ending unsatisfying and out of character for Jordan.
🔥 Bonus Content
They Kidnapped the Girl and Locked Her in the Car – The Call (2013) Movie Clip
Get ready for a heart-pounding experience as a 911 operator races against time to save a kidnapped teenager in this gripping clip from “The Call”.
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