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I’m a sucker for a spooky movie, especially those from an era before everyone had a cell phone. That’s why I’m drawn to '80s flicks; the creep factor can’t be easily resolved by a character simply pulling out a phone to call for help. When someone is stranded in the woods in 1987, they are truly alone, and that isolation creates a level of tension that modern technology often ruins.
While there are obvious winners from this era that everyone knows (like "Halloween"), there are quite a lot of hidden gems that have been missed over the years. These smaller films often relied on atmosphere and psychological dread rather than big budgets or slasher tropes. Finding one of these lost relics feels like discovering a secret piece of cinematic history.
What is 'The Caller' about?
This two-character movie begins with a woman driving to an isolated cabin in the woods. We see her getting gas and picking up some groceries. Yet, there's no one in sight, and there's no explanation for it. It's clear, though, that someone is watching her.
More weirdness emerges as she comes closer to the cabin. Along the road, she spots a broken-down, seemingly abandoned car at the side of the road. She looks inside and searches in the glove compartment, only to find plastic doll parts. The woman (Madolyn Smith Osborne) calls out again to find out if anyone's around; yet again, she's alone.
At the cabin, this seemingly innocent woman clearly carries her own disturbing secrets. The camera cuts to a shot of a bloodstained hatbox. It drips as she walks carefully inside with the item. As she goes about her nightly routine, we see mysterious footsteps traipsing through the woods. The mystery deepens as the woman calls her daughter, sharing that she felt nervous but blamed it on being a mother.
As a storm thunders outside, there's a knock at her door. The man (Malcolm McDowell) explains his car is broken down and asks to use her phone. She's clearly reluctant, her arms wrapped around herself in defense. The movie takes a strange turn, as it seems both are suspicious of each other. She points out a hole in the story of his broken-down car, and he finds it strange that she'd know anything about that at all. The two characters share a chemistry and intensity; it's almost as if they've met before.
A poignant, symbolic scene occurs in the movie when the woman and the man sit on opposite sides of a chessboard. This moment represents the psychological mind game that happens between the two. The conversation takes a turn towards murder with the woman exposing a hidden dark side. It's clear there's more to the story than just a man whose car broke down and a woman waiting at a cabin for her friend to arrive.
Why you should stream 'The Caller'
An interesting point you may have noticed: We never learn her name. Even the movie's cast list is unnamed, referring to the lead actress as "The Girl" (Madolyn Smith) and her guest as "The Caller" (Malcolm McDowell). It's a dialogue-heavy movie, but if you're up for it, figuring out exactly what's going on between the two is part of the fun.
The movie itself feels more like an extended episode of "The Twilight Zone." It has dream-like qualities with its stormy scene and practically one-room setting. The ending itself is akin to some sort of nightmare we need to wake up from.
With only two actors, it falls on them to carry the plotline. Actress Madolyn Smith Osborne does a phenomenal job of portraying both suspicion and innocence, and fear and boldness. Her eyes are an expressive reflection of what her character must be feeling as "The Caller" challenges her story. Malcolm McDowell also plays a fascinating counterpart, coming across like a creepy killer or a veteran detective.
Also, the ending is sure to take you by surprise; however, if you manage to listen for the clues in their conversation, it won't feel like too much of a shocker. More than likely, though, as long as you don't mind this type of dialogue-heavy script, you'll want to watch it again to see what you might have missed.
Watch "The Caller" for free on Tubi
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