Devil May Call

Devil May Call is a tension-ridden horror movie that was released in 2013. The movie stars Corri English, former professional wrestler Tyler Mane, and Traci Lords. The premise of Devil May Call centers around the dark corners of everyday existence, taking viewers for a rollercoaster ride of terror and suspense, leaving them at the edge of their seats.

Directed by Jason Cuadrado, Devil May Call dives into a terrifying exploration of the human psyche and represents a nerve-wracking slice of horror. The movie's pacing, mood-setting, and suspense-building are spot on, ensuring that viewers remain completely drawn into its fright-filled narrative. It effectively employs ambient lighting, imposing sets, and nerve-wracking suspense to create an atmosphere of palpable fear.

Corri English plays Samantha "Sam" Hill, a reassuring, friendly operator from a suicide hotline center. Sam is blind and employs her heightened senses to connect and empathize with people on the edge of life, helping to talk them down when they have lost all hope. Despite her disability, Sam has developed strong resilience, becoming a beacon of hope and understanding for desperate callers. Her unique, empathic connection is what draws in the petrifying character of John, played by Tyler Mane.

Crafted by Cuadrado, the character of John is nothing short of unnerving. Mane delivers a dread-inducing performance befitting his imposing stature. Once a regular caller, John, known as "Val", becomes obsessed with Sam and her comforting voice. As Sam is promoted and about to leave her job, John's already fragile mental state takes a menacing turn. He begins to spiral into a deeper psychotic breakdown, set on a horrific path where he believes death is the only way to connect with Sam forever.

Traci Lords portrays Jess, Sam's unfriendly and straightforward co-worker. She has a 'tough love' approach towards life, which comes off as insensitive sometimes, but her character adds an essential flavor to the storyline, representing certain harsh realities some counselors may employ in their jobs.

The primary setting for Devil May Call is the suicide hotline center that operates during the night, adding a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The film relies heavily on its location where most of the plot unfolds, making the narrative claustrophobic and filled with frightening suspense. It’s a place where people bare their souls in the quiet of the night, facing their most profound fears, and where Sam becomes entrapped in the psychotic break of a regular caller.

"Devil May Call" showcases excellent sound design and atmospheric music, significantly contributing to the overall suspenseful mood of the film. The sound effects are accurate and intense enough to make one feel uncomfortable, drawing viewers further into the horror.

The subtle use of visual effects allows Cuadrado to render the storyline more effectively. The cinematography is challenging given the lead character's blindness, and the employment of creative tactics translates her experiences, making for a sensory, character-driven narrative.

The film also touches upon socially relevant themes such as mental health, emotional trauma, obsession, and the underlying issue of suicide. The movie’s representations of these themes are thoughtfully nuanced and treated with the necessary care, giving the film depth beyond scares and suspense.

In conclusion, Devil May Call is an immersive horror movie that adds psychological layers to its narrative and characters while gripping its audiences with relentless terror and suspense. With Corri English's sincere performance, Tyler Mane's terrifying portrayal, and Traci Lords' hardened realist, viewers are taken on a dark journey of the human psyche, where everyday realities lead to horrifying consequences. The film keeps the audience hooked till the end, promising a thrilling journey into the realm of dread and fear.