The Calling

The Calling is a compelling 2014 crime thriller film that stars the likes of Susan Sarandon, Gil Bellows, and Ellen Burstyn. Directed by Jason Stone, the movie combines elements of drama, mystery, and horror to create a spooky atmosphere that is both entertaining and engaging. It is based on the novel "The Calling" by Inger Ash Wolfe, which has been adapted into a screenplay by Scott Abramovitch.

Susan Sarandon plays the role of Detective Hazel Micallef, the protagonist, who serves in the small, serene town of Fort Dundas. Her life takes a drastic turn as the tranquility of her town is disrupted by a series of gruesome murders. Unaccustomed to such horrifying acts of violence, Detective Hazel finds herself embroiled in the most challenging case of her career.

Playing with the viewer's fear of the unknown, the movie deftly uses its plot structure and detailed character development to its advantage. Unlike many mystery crime thrillers, The Calling introduces the viewer to the daily life of its main characters before approaching the main plot. This paint vivid pictures of their lives, allowing us to empathize with them, making the subsequent suspense elements more impactful.

Susan Sarandon renders an impressive performance as the feisty Detective Hazel Micallef. She is backed by a strong supporting cast. Gil Bellows, playing Detective Ray Greene, displays brilliance as a reliable partner who is always ready to back up his counterparts while all hell breaks loose.

Ellen Burstyn, with her seasoned skills, plays the role of Hazel's mother, Emily Micallef, to perfection. She seamlessly portrays the character's compassion, wisdom, and endearing optimism, providing a refreshing contrast to the doom and gloom pervading the town.

Hazel's struggle with addiction and the subtle hints at her troubled past resonate throughout the film. This struggle add layers to Sarandon's character, making her more human and relatable amidst the looming darkness of the storyline. Furthermore, the complex relationships between the characters deepen the plot, adding emotional depth and a certain realism to the rather grim narrative.

The Calling remarkably sets itself apart with its spectacular storytelling and suspense. While the distressing murder scenes are crucial to the storyline, the film does not rely only on these scenes to build tension. Instead, it chooses to focus on the investigation, the clues, and the detectives' pursuit to unveil the serial killer's identity and motivation. This approach ensures the movie does not just aim to shock viewers with raw violence but rather to captivate them with a thought-provoking mystery that stays with them long after the final credits roll.

Notably notable is the way the film integrates religious themes into its storyline. The religious motifs and references are woven subtly throughout the narrative, giving it an additional, puzzling layer of complexity. This invokes a deep curiosity in the viewers as they partake in Hazel's quest to unravel the mystery and stop the unsettling killings. These elements make The Calling a far more sophisticated and cerebral mystery thriller than typical crime dramas.

The dark, gloomy cinematography sets the mood for the horrific series of events and does an incredible job of enhancing the eeriness of the storyline. The grim weather and desolate scenery often mirror the characters' emotions and thoughts, creating an aura of fatalism. On the other hand, the score complements the intense, suspense-filled scenes, increasing the sense of dread in the viewer.

Overall, The Calling is more than just a crime thriller. It is a cinematic blend of mystery, suspense, drama, and horror paired with profound characterization. It revolves around a detective's determination and tenacity to keep her town safe, even in the face of despair and fear. Between the chilling murders, the persistent detectives, the peculiar religious subtext, and the emotional depth, The Calling provides enough twists and turns to keep the audience on the edge of their seats.