Tag: film

Darkness Falls Review

by Finn the Brave, posted in Movies

Introduction

As a child, few movies instilled as much terror in me as “Darkness Falls.” Released in 2003 and directed by Jonathan Liebesman, this supernatural horror film preyed upon my deepest fears with its eerie atmosphere and bone-chilling premise.  The mere mention of the Tooth Fairy took on a sinister tone as “Darkness Falls” spun its tale of ancient curses and vengeful spirits. The legend of Matilda Dixon, the Tooth Fairy turned malevolent entity, haunted my nightmares long after the credits rolled. The idea that something as innocent as losing a tooth could lead to a deadly encounter with a ghostly figure lurking in the darkness sent shivers down my spine.  I remember, after watching it, I couldn’t help but be thankful I had already lost all my baby teeth.  It was this nostalgia that made me so excited to rewatch it as an adult, and as I turned out the lights and pushed play, I was really looking forward to tackling that fear.  

About an hour and a half later, I can confidently say that I not only “tackled” my childhood fear, but was able to laugh at how un-scary I found it.  Now I’d say it’s a common experience for many adults to find that rewatching horror movies doesn’t evoke the same level of fear as it did when they were younger. As we grow older, our tastes, experiences, and understanding of the world change, which can alter how we perceive and react to scary movies.  There’s many different reasons for this (I’d love to delve into this topic at length in the future), but essentially it boiled down to focusing on elements like plot holes, character development (lack there-of), cheap scares, and out-dated special effects. This analytical mindset can detract from the immersive experience of being scared and though my imagination usually does a great job at putting myself in the shoes of the characters, I just wasn’t able to see past the lame parts of this one.  

“Darkness Falls” is a horror movie that revolves around the terrifying legend of Matilda Dixon, also known as the Tooth Fairy. The story is set in the fictional town of Darkness Falls, where Matilda, a kindly old woman who gave out coins to children who lost their teeth, was wrongly accused of a crime and killed by the townsfolk, who believed she was responsible for the disappearance of two children. Just before her death, Matilda placed a curse on the town, vowing vengeance on anyone who sees her in the darkness.

Years later, the curse comes to fruition when the children of Darkness Falls begin to vanish whenever they catch a glimpse of Matilda’s ghostly figure in the shadows. The protagonist, Kyle Walsh, witnessed Matilda’s wrath as a child when she took his younger brother, Michael. Now an adult, Kyle is haunted by the trauma and the guilt of not being able to save his brother. When his childhood friend Caitlin approaches him for help after her younger brother experiences a similar ordeal, Kyle reluctantly returns to Darkness Falls to confront his past and the malevolent spirit that still lurks in the darkness.

Horror Elements

In “Darkness Falls,” the antagonist is a unique and terrifying entity known as Matilda Dixon, also known as the Tooth Fairy.  One of the main issues with Matilda Dixon as an antagonist is her lack of development and backstory. While the film hints at a tragic past and the injustices she suffered at the hands of the townsfolk, these elements are never fully explored, leaving her motivations and intentions vague and underwhelming. Without a compelling backstory or clear motivation, Matilda comes across as little more than a generic ghostly figure, lacking the depth and complexity needed to make her a truly memorable villain.

Matilda’s presence in the film feels predictable and formulaic. Her appearances are telegraphed well in advance, with little suspense or tension leading up to her jump scares. Instead of instilling genuine fear, Matilda’s attempts to terrorize the protagonists feel repetitive and uninspired, relying on cheap jump scares and loud noises to elicit a reaction from the audience.  Additionally, Matilda’s powers and abilities are never fully explained or explored, further diminishing her impact as an antagonist. While the film suggests that she has the ability to manipulate darkness and conceal her presence, these powers are never fully utilized or showcased in a meaningful way. As a result, Matilda comes across as a generic ghostly figure with little to distinguish her from other similar villains in the horror genre.

This film suffers from a notable lack of realism, which detracts from its effectiveness as a horror film and undermines the suspension of disbelief for the audience. Despite its supernatural premise, the film fails to establish a coherent internal logic or believable world-building, leading to moments that feel contrived and disconnected from reality.  An example of this is the elevator working even when the power is completely down.  Perhaps another main issue with the film’s lack of realism is its portrayal of the Tooth Fairy legend. While the concept of a vengeful spirit haunting a town is inherently fantastical, the execution in “Darkness Falls” feels forced and implausible. The idea that an entire town would be terrorized by the ghost of a woman wrongfully accused of murder strains credibility, especially given the lack of concrete evidence or explanation for Matilda Dixon’s supernatural abilities.

Furthermore, the film’s reliance on jump scares and cheap thrills undermines any sense of realism or genuine terror. Instead of building tension through atmosphere and suspense, “Darkness Falls” resorts to predictable scare tactics that feel manufactured and formulaic. The characters’ reactions to the supernatural events also feel exaggerated and melodramatic, further distancing the audience from the film’s intended emotional impact. Overall, the plot suffers from numerous inconsistencies and plot holes that further erode its realism. From characters making irrational decisions to convenient coincidences that drive the narrative forward, “Darkness Falls” often feels more like a series of contrived set pieces than a cohesive story grounded in reality. As a result, it becomes increasingly difficult for the audience to invest in the film’s events or empathize with its characters.

Movie Elements

“Darkness Falls” is marred by a significant lack of creativity, resulting in a derivative and formulaic horror experience that fails to distinguish itself from other entries in the genre. Despite its intriguing premise of a vengeful Tooth Fairy haunting a small town, the film ultimately squanders its potential with uninspired storytelling, generic scares, and predictable plot developments.  Essentially, the film relies on loud noises, jump scares, and CGI effects to elicit a reaction from the audience. Instead of building genuine suspense or crafting memorable moments of terror, “Darkness Falls” resorts to cheap thrills that lack creativity and imagination. 

Cinematography is poor at best, with the film’s editing feels disjointed and haphazard, with awkward cuts and transitions that disrupt the flow of the narrative. Scenes lack cohesion and continuity, making it difficult for the audience to become fully immersed in the story.  Within each scene, the lighting is either way too bright or way too dark and the scenes lack depth and dimension, with little attention paid to creating visually engaging or memorable shots.

Conclusion

At this point I’ve written over a thousand words on everything I disliked about the movie, so what did the movie do well?  The simple answer is, not much.  I suppose the concept of a vengeful spirit taking the form of the Tooth Fairy is unique and intriguing, offering a fresh twist on traditional horror folklore.  Also, I’d say the entire introduction of the film does a decent job showing versus telling the backstory and setting the stage for what should have been a creepy horror film.  

In conclusion, “Darkness Falls” ultimately falls short of its potential, leaving me disappointed and underwhelmed.  While the film boasts an intriguing premise and the promise of supernatural terror, its execution falters due to a failure to capitalize on its unique concept. Despite fleeting moments of suspense and the occasional jump scare, the movie fails to maintain a consistent sense of dread or deliver the genuine terror that I, as a horror enthusiast, crave. Instead, it succumbs to tired genre tropes and clichés, resulting in a forgettable, almost boring,  viewing experience that fails to leave a lasting impression. For those seeking a truly memorable horror film, “Darkness Falls” is likely to disappoint, offering little more than a toothless scare.

Final Scare Me Please Score:  How much money does the main character spend on batteries?, out of 100

Link To Official Trailer

Have you watched this movie? What did you think? Have another Tooth Fairy movie in mind for us to watch next?  Drop a comment below to let us know!

Hell House LLC Review

by Finn the Brave, posted in Movies

Introduction

“Hell House LLC” is a found-footage, supernatural horror film directed by Stephen Cognetti. The film opens with documentary-style interviews interspersed with footage from a news report detailing the tragic events that occurred at the Abaddon Hotel during the opening night of a haunted house attraction called Hell House. The news report reveals that 15 people died in a mysterious fire at the hotel, with only one survivor, Sara Havel, remaining unaccounted for.

Following the news report, the film transitions to footage shot by a documentary crew investigating the events leading up to the tragedy. The crew interviews Sara’s friends and former employees of the haunted house attraction to uncover the truth behind what happened on that fateful night. Through their interviews and the found footage they uncover, viewers are gradually introduced to the eerie atmosphere of the Abaddon Hotel, the strange occurrences experienced by the Hell House LLC crew during their preparations for opening night, and the mounting sense of dread that ultimately leads to the hotel’s horrifying climax.

The various footage used at the beginning looks so realistic that it immediately creates believability.  I actually had to pause the movie on my first watch-through to double check I’d picked a real horror film and not accidentally selected a real documentary by mistake.  As the documentary crew delves deeper into the mystery, they begin to unravel the dark secrets hidden within the walls of the Abaddon Hotel, setting the stage for a terrifying journey into the heart of darkness. The introduction sets the stage for the chilling events that unfold throughout the rest of the film, laying the groundwork for a gripping and suspenseful horror experience.

Horror Elements

In “Hell House LLC,” the antagonist is the malevolent entity or entities haunting the Abaddon Hotel. While the film does not explicitly reveal the origin or nature of the antagonist, it is heavily implied that the hotel itself is possessed by dark forces that seek to terrorize and harm those who enter its halls.  The primary antagonist of the film is the Abaddon Hotel, a decrepit and haunted building where the Hell House attraction is set up. The hotel serves as the central location of the film’s events and is depicted as a malevolent entity in its own right. The history of the hotel, including its mysterious past and the tragic events that occurred within its walls, contributes to its sinister reputation.  Throughout the film, the characters experience unexplained phenomena and encounters with supernatural entities within the hotel. These manifestations include ghostly apparitions, sinister whispers, and inexplicable disturbances that suggest a malevolent presence lurking within the building. The exact nature of these forces remains ambiguous, adding to the sense of terror and mystery surrounding the antagonist.  

In addition to this, the antagonist exerts a manipulative influence over the characters, luring them deeper into its grasp as they attempt to uncover the truth behind the hotel’s haunting. The hotel’s dark influence drives the characters to madness and paranoia, leading to increasingly dire consequences as they struggle to escape its clutches.  In addition to physical threats, the antagonist in “Hell House LLC” inflicts psychological terror on the characters, exploiting their fears and vulnerabilities to torment them. The hotel’s haunted history and malevolent presence prey on the characters’ psyches, heightening the sense of dread and hopelessness as they confront their worst nightmares.  

Realism is present throughout the film, especially in regards to the different main characters and their interactions with one another and the environment.  Alex is the owner of the haunted attraction company, Hell House LLC. He’s portrayed as a pragmatic businessman, driven by his passion for creating immersive and terrifying experiences for his audience. His background and motivations are relatable, as he’s depicted as someone who is ambitious and dedicated to his work.  Throughout the film, Alex exhibits a practical and level-headed approach to running his business. He’s depicted as someone who takes his responsibilities seriously, ensuring that the production of Hell House LLC runs smoothly and efficiently. His decision-making process and problem-solving skills reflect those of a real-world business owner, adding authenticity to his character.  Despite his professionalism, Alex also grapples with personal struggles and conflicts. As the haunting at the Abaddon Hotel intensifies, Alex must confront his own fears and doubts about the safety of his crew and the integrity of his business. His internal conflicts add depth to his character and make him more relatable to the audience.

Movie Elements

While found-footage horror films were already popular by the time “Hell House LLC” was released, the film puts a unique spin on the genre by framing the story as a documentary investigating the events leading up to the tragedy at the Abaddon Hotel. This approach adds depth to the narrative by incorporating interviews with survivors and witnesses, as well as footage captured by the characters themselves, creating a sense of authenticity and immersion.  While haunted house attractions are a common theme in horror movies, “Hell House LLC” explores this concept in a fresh and innovative way by setting the story within an actual haunted hotel. The Abaddon Hotel serves as a chilling backdrop for the film’s events, with its dark history and malevolent presence adding layers of mystery and suspense to the narrative.  

Rather than relying solely on jump scares and graphic violence, “Hell House LLC” builds tension and suspense through a gradual escalation of horror. The film employs subtle atmospheric cues, eerie visuals, and psychological terror to unsettle viewers, creating a sense of dread that intensifies as the story unfolds.  “Hell House LLC” keeps audiences engaged by weaving a compelling mystery throughout the narrative. Viewers are drawn into the investigation as the documentary crew uncovers clues and revelations about the true nature of the haunting at the Abaddon Hotel, leading to a series of shocking twists and revelations that keep them guessing until the very end.  Instead of relying heavily on CGI, “Hell House LLC” utilizes practical effects and clever cinematography to create its scares. The film employs subtle visual cues, practical makeup effects, and clever camera tricks to evoke a sense of unease and terror, resulting in a more visceral and immersive viewing experience.

Much of the cinematography in “Hell House LLC” consists of handheld camera work, simulating the amateur documentary style. This technique enhances the sense of realism and urgency, as the camera captures the chaos and terror unfolding within the haunted attraction.  In addition to handheld footage, the film also incorporates static shots and surveillance footage to create a sense of surveillance and voyeurism. These shots add to the atmosphere of unease and tension, as viewers are presented with eerie glimpses of the supernatural activity occurring within the hotel.  The cinematography in “Hell House LLC” often relies on natural lighting sources within the haunted attraction, such as dimly lit hallways, flickering candles, and ominous shadows. This use of natural lighting enhances the atmosphere of the film, creating a sense of darkness and claustrophobia that contributes to the overall sense of dread.

While the film features mostly unknown actors, their performances contribute to the overall sense of realism and immersion in the found footage format.The actors in “Hell House LLC” deliver their lines in a naturalistic manner, which adds authenticity to their performances. This style of acting enhances the believability of the found footage format, as viewers feel like they are watching real people reacting to terrifying events.  The actors demonstrate a wide emotional range throughout the film, from excitement and enthusiasm during the setup of the haunted house attraction to fear and panic as the supernatural occurrences escalate. Their ability to convey genuine emotion enhances the audience’s investment in the characters and their plight.  The chemistry between the cast members helps to establish a sense of camaraderie and camaraderie among the characters. This camaraderie is crucial in building tension and suspense, as viewers become invested in the relationships between the characters and their fates.  The actors’ reaction shots are particularly effective in selling the horror and terror of the situation. Their expressions of fear, shock, and disbelief help to heighten the tension and suspense, drawing viewers deeper into the terrifying world of the Abaddon Hotel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Hell House LLC” is a chilling found footage horror film that effectively utilizes its format to immerse viewers in a terrifying and suspenseful narrative. Set in the eerie confines of the Abaddon Hotel, the movie follows a documentary crew as they investigate the tragic events surrounding a haunted house attraction gone awry.  The film does a great job with its authentic performances, naturalistic delivery, and genuine scares. Overall, “Hell House LLC” delivers a haunting and immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for fans of atmospheric horror and supernatural thrills.

Final Scare Me Please Score:  “This clown head can’t turn but it did”, out of 100

Link To Official Trailer

Have you watched this movie? What did you think? Anything we missed? Have an idea for what we should watch next? Drop a comment below to let us know!

Marrowbone

by Finn the Brave, posted in Movies

Introduction

“Marrowbone” is a 2017 horror film directed by Sergio G. Sánchez, (he also was a screenwriter for another great horror film “The Orphanage” which I fully plan on reviewing here as well).  Essentially, the movie tells the story of a family who flees to a remote house in rural America to escape a dark past. However, sinister forces begin to unravel their fragile peace as they struggle to keep their secrets buried. The film weaves a tale of psychological horror, family bonds, and supernatural elements that keep the audience on edge throughout its entirety.

Horror Elements

The antagonist in “Marrowbone” is a malevolent force that threatens the fragile stability of the family at the center of the story. This character embodies various forms throughout the film, from external threats to internal conflicts and hidden secrets. Without a clear-cut villain in the traditional sense, the antagonist in “Marrowbone” manifests as a sinister presence lurking in the shadows, manipulating events from afar.  The film crafts a narrative where the true nature of the antagonist remains shrouded in mystery, leading to a sense of unease and paranoia among the characters and the audience alike. This ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations and keeps viewers guessing until the final revelation. 

Adding to the horror, the film’s musical score plays a significant role in building suspense and accentuating key moments of horror. Composer Fernando Velázquez crafts a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that heightens the emotional impact of the story. Swelling strings, dissonant chords, and ominous melodies underscore moments of danger and uncertainty, intensifying the overall sense of dread.  Equally as scary, was the lack of sound.  Silence is inserted at just the right moments to magnify the feel of dread within the scene.

As the plot plays out, it’s quite clear just how much thought went into developing the backstory of the characters, both the good and the bad.  This influence permeates every aspect of the film, driving the family to desperate measures to protect themselves and their secrets. Whether it’s through subtle psychological manipulation or more overt acts of violence, the antagonist’s presence and mysterious backstory looms large, casting a shadow over the family’s attempts at redemption and reconciliation.  

What makes this particularly effective is its connection to the protagonists’ past traumas and buried secrets.  As the layers of the narrative are peeled back, the true extent of the antagonist’s influence becomes increasingly apparent, leading to a chilling climax that forces the characters to confront their darkest fears on screen.  

Movie Elements

One of the strengths of “Marrowbone” lies in its atmospheric tension and mood. Sergio G. Sánchez creates a palpable sense of dread, utilizing the isolated setting of the family’s dilapidated mansion to great effect. The cinematography enhances the eerie atmosphere, with dimly lit interiors and sprawling, misty landscapes adding to the sense of foreboding.  Throughout the movie, subtle ambient sounds are employed to create a sense of unease and tension. This might include the distant howling of wind, creaking floorboards, or the faint rustling of leaves outside the mansion. These sounds serve to establish the isolated and foreboding atmosphere of the setting.

The performances in “Marrowbone” are another highlight. The young cast delivers compelling and nuanced portrayals, particularly George MacKay as the protective eldest brother Jack and Anya Taylor-Joy as the mysterious local girl who befriends the family. Their chemistry adds depth to the characters and helps to anchor the emotional core of the film.  The relationships between the characters in “Marrowbone” are central to the film’s originality. These dynamics within the family unit are intricate and multifaceted, with each member struggling with their own inner demons and conflicts. The bond between the siblings, particularly the protective nature of the eldest brother Jack, adds depth to the narrative and distinguishes it from more traditional horror fare.

Furthermore, “Marrowbone” is bolstered by its intricate narrative structure and well-paced storytelling. The film employs a non-linear narrative structure, which adds layers of complexity and intrigue to the storytelling. Rather than presenting events in a straightforward manner, the film jumps back and forth in time, gradually unveiling the family’s troubled past and the secrets they harbor. This approach keeps the audience engaged and guessing, as they piece together the puzzle of the characters’ lives.  Though it’s certainly not the only film to ever utilize this style of plot progression, it was well-done and certainly told an interesting story in a unique way.  

Conclusion

As I prefer to do with all the movies I review, I watched it three times before writing this.  Though the fears and anxiety were only present during the first watch through, the movie was still quite enjoyable during the second and third viewings. Something I feel the need to mention here, is out of all the plot twists within horror movies I’ve watch, this is one of the few that actually gave me a strong physiological response:  nausea.  It was such an upsetting shock, I actually felt sick from it which is exactly what a good twist should do.  Maybe not the sick part, but extreme shock for sure.  Overall, “Marrowbone” is a captivating and atmospheric horror film that effectively blends psychological tension with supernatural elements. While it may not offer action-packed violence and gore, its strong performances, eerie atmosphere, and compelling storytelling make it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.  

Final Scare Me Please:  How could you ever live in that house after that trauma, out of 100

Marrowbone Official Trailer

Have you watched this movie? Did you figure out the plot before the great end-reveal?  Suggestions for what we should watch next? Drop a comment below to let us know!

When a Stranger Calls (Original) Review

by Finn the Brave, posted in Movies

Introduction

Traveling was a major part of my childhood, both overseas and stateside.  My family’s love for exploring was definitely passed on to me, and some of my best memories were made on these trips.  Roadtrips in particular were, and still are, my favorite way to go on adventures.  As an adult, before I go on trips, I always download plenty of audio books to listen to as I drive.  This is another habit I developed as a kid; because I used to get really car sick, I couldn’t ever read or draw during long drives. Instead, I got used to listening to books while looking out the window.  When these books were finished, or we just needed a break from a narrator blaring over the speakers, my mother would tell me stories.  

Now I don’t know what kinds of stories “normal” parents tell their kids, but my parents are far from “normal”, which is probably why I grew up hearing urban legends, movie plots, and serial killer case files as stories.  One of these stories that scared me the most was an urban legend “The Babysitter and the Man Upstairs”.  I used to babysit and be left alone a lot when I was younger, which is probably why this one affected me so much.  Apparently, this legend was based on the real murder case of Janett Christman, a cold case file from 1950 that remains unsolved to this day.  

Multiple movies have been inspired from this  urban legend, and I have seen almost all of them except the original: When a Stranger Calls.  Made in 1979 by Fred Walton, it did well financially but received poor reviews by film critiques due to lack of “scares”. With this in mind, I sat down with some popcorn, made the room as dark as possible, and turned on the movie, ready to judge for myself whether or not it was a good horror film.     

Horror Elements

In the hushed stillness of the night, where every creak of the floorboard becomes a sinister symphony, and each ringing phone note holds the potential for unspeakable horror, emerges a cinematic classic that will have you glancing over your shoulder long after the screen fades to black.  As the clock ticks away, echoing through the corridors of suspense, we embark on a relentless journey into the depths of fear, where an innocent babysitting job turns into a nightmarish confrontation with the unknown.  The piercing ring of the telephone becomes a haunting melody, foretelling a series of events that will send shivers down your spine and make you question the safety of your own home- the one place that should be safe.

Well, at least the first 20 minutes of the movie do this, and I do mean ONLY the first 20 minutes.  In my opinion the rest is weird, unflowing, and extremely boring.   However, the film does end up contributing greatly to the horror genre as a whole, and one of these contributions is accomplished through the main character.

Are the characters unique?  In simplest terms, no.  Both the antagonist nor protagonist is particularly unique as there have been many babysitters and many serial killers in many, many horror films.  However, focusing on the protagonist, what does make her unique is her believability.  Jill Johnson, the main “good” character within the filim, stands as an unwavering pillar against the encroaching darkness.  She is portrayed with haunting authenticity, her character epitomizing resilience in the face of unimaginable terror.  As the unsuspecting babysitter plunges into a nightmarish ordeal, her journey unfods as a masterclass in survival against the enigmatic stranger lurking in the shadows.  With every pulse-quickening encounter and each nerve-wracking phone call, Jill’s tenacity becomes a beacon of hope, proving that courage can emerge even from the darkest corners of fear.  This really is one of the first females to emerge victorious within the horror genre, and I feel she contributes greatly to an ever-growing “heroine turns the tables on evil” sub-genre that seems to be cropping up ever more.    

Another horror element they excelled at were the film’s audio cues.  These serve as an invisible puppeteer, manipulating the audience’s emotions with every creak, every whisper, and every heart-stopping ring of the telephone.  The masterful use of sound design amplifies the tension, creating an atmosphere where the silence becomes as terrifying as the crescendo of haunting melodies.  The subtle orchestration of footsteps, the ominous hum of background noise, and the nerve-rattling phone calls work in symphony to immerse viewers in an auditory nightmare.  I wanted to address this aspect within the “Movie Elements” section, but considering the sound did an excellent job in actually scaring me, I decided to mention it here, though it could as easily transitioned us into our next topic of the “Movie Elements”.

Movie Elements

Bathed in an eerie palette of shadows and suspense, the cinematography of “When a Stranger Calls” stands as a testament to the artistry that elevates a horror film from a mere scare-fest to a visual masterpiece.  The film’s visual language, expertly crafted by the cinematographer, weaves a tapestry of tension and unease, immersing the audience into the heart of psychological terror.  Each frame becomes a calculated brushstroke, creating an atmosphere where every dimly lit corridor and ominous silhouette serves as a harbinger of impending dread.  The play of light and darkness becomes a character in itself, intensifying the spine-chilling narrative and amplifying the audience’s sense of vulnerability.

As the clock ticks through the corridors of cinematic history, “When a Stranger Calls” stands as a paradox, with its opening 20 minutes etched in the annals of horror brilliance.  The initial scenes, featuring the ominous phone calls and the ever-growing tension of the babysitter’s plight, are nothing short of masterclass in suspense.  The calculated use of silence, the gradual build-up of dread, and the harrowing realization that the call is coming from inside the house create an unparalleled sense of unease.  However, as the narrative unfolds, the subsequent acts fail to sustain the same level of intensity, leading to a diminishing return of the initial promise.  To me, this was just un-forgivable.  

Conclusion

Though I love the opening scene (have I already mentioned this?), I can understand why the overall film got negative reviews.  Most of the movie was boring and didn’t seem to flow well, nor make much sense.  Honestly, perhaps I’m biased, but I feel my mom tells this story better than the movie itself did.  Despite this, I would recommend at least seeing this movie once, as it is a classic within the horror genre, which helped numerous other films work their way into our nightmares.  Thank you for joining me as we navigated the chilling narrative, examining the artistry that goes beyond the jump scares, plunging into the psyche of a movie that has become synonymous with the fear of the unknown.  As you finish reading this, are you ready to answer your next call?  Because once you pick up the phone, there’s no escaping the terror that lurks on the other end.

Final Scare Me Please Score: Just watch the first twenty minutes, out of 100

Sources:

When a stranger calls (1979 film) (2023) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_a_Stranger_Calls_(1979_film) (Accessed: 29 July 2023).