Watch The Calling

The Calling is a 2014 thriller movie that boasts a star-studded cast. It features Susan Sarandon in the lead role, supported by Gil Bellows, Ellen Burstyn, and Topher Grace. The movie is directed by Jason Stone, who delivers a tightly-knit narrative that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon), a tough cop who operates in a small town in Ontario, Canada. Hazel has seen it all in her twenty-plus years of service, but she is no stranger to alcoholism and struggles to cope with the demands of her job. Hazel’s life takes a turn when she stumbles upon a series of gruesome murders in her jurisdiction. The victims are all elderly women who seem to have been killed by a ritualistic serial killer.

Hazel’s instincts tell her that there is more to this case than meets the eye. Her investigation leads her to a retired priest, Father Simon (Donald Sutherland), who warns her of an evil presence that is manifesting in their town. Hazel must unravel the mystery and catch the killer before it's too late. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more complex and dangerous the case becomes.

The Calling is a disturbing and intense thriller movie that doesn't shy away from graphic violence and unsettling themes. It’s a movie about faith, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions. Susan Sarandon delivers a strong and nuanced performance as Hazel Micallef. She portrays a conflicted and flawed character with sincerity and depth. Gil Bellows provides a solid supporting act as Ben Wingate, Hazel's partner, who tries to keep her grounded in reality. Ellen Burstyn also shines in her brief role as Hazel's mother, who suffers from dementia.

The Calling has a distinctive visual style that matches its grim tone. Jason Stone infuses the movie with a cold and somber atmosphere, making the small town feel like a place where something sinister is lurking in the shadows. The cinematography is precise and evocative, highlighting the stark contrast between the serene natural surroundings and the macabre events that take place.

The movie's pacing is slow but steady. The first half of the movie establishes the characters and the setting while building the tension towards the inevitable confrontation between Hazel and the killer. The second half of the movie is where the action and thrills kick in. The Calling delivers a satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends and leaves the viewers satisfied.

One of the most significant strengths of The Calling is its ability to tackle heavy themes without being preachy or exploitative. The movie touches on issues like religion, morality, and ethics, but it never loses sight of its primary goal, which is to entertain the audience. The movie doesn't rely on cheap jump scares or gratuitous violence to shock the viewers. Instead, it creates a palpable sense of dread and unease by slowly building up the tension.

In conclusion, The Calling is an excellent addition to the thriller genre that features a stellar cast, solid direction, and a thought-provoking narrative. It's not a movie for everyone, as it can be disturbing and unsettling at times. However, for those who enjoy a good psychological thriller that delivers more than just generic scares, The Calling is a must-watch.

The Calling is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 46.