Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report readers. Across my desk today, a horror swerve to the left. Night Caller hearkens back to the old school days of slasher films. As usual, this is a no spoiler review, I will not be discussing any plot points.
Writer/Director Chad Ferrin creates a tale that melds the horror and psychological thriller genres with great results. Premise from IMDB: A telephone psychic is pulled into a complex web of mystery when she receives a call from a serial killer. The description is accurate, the film centers on a two person psychic phone call in center, with simple settings, yet well suited for the genre. Clairvoyant psychics and murder are always a good combination.
'Night Caller' uses various set elements that hearken back to the 70s and 80s with VCR tapes and various background material that gives it a ethereal quality. I thought this background provides a dark and foreboding atmosphere. That is the key to 'Night Caller' fading backgrounds, the audience is never sure of what is real and what is not. Actress Bai Ling plays Jade Mei the owner of the Psychic Hot-line, even though she is more of a minor character, I felt that her crazy demeanor and basically speaking sexy and oddly made the movie enticing.
Actress Susan Priver plays the film's lead Clementine Carter. Her experience shines through, equal parts scared and angry. As the movie progresses she becomes more embolden, yet maintains an air of timidness. Look for veteran actor Steve Railsback as well.
Although this is a very violent film, I feel that the situations are warranted and never excessive to the plot. 'Night Caller' never wastes time and at a tight 83 minutes, is the perfect length. Overall, keeping this review short, a must own for old school slasher fans, horror fans a definite rent. 'Night Caller' rates 7 knives out of 10, and Bai Ling rates a crazy 9 out of 10. 'Night Caller' was fun throwback, I kind of wish horror went back to this style more often!
Film is available now on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Night-Caller-Susan-Priver/dp/B09RHJYC6T/ref=sr_1_1?
