So it's official, I either don't understand this site, or I don't understand the way people who vote/rate here think. The Caller just might be the most underrated Horror film of 2011, or even ever! So please let me start by recommending that you don't let yourself miss out on it, as you could easily find one million films that would be less fun to watch.
The plot is realistic and relatable, slightly feminist but not in an annoying criticizing way (I hate seeing socio-political agendas and messages in fiction films, regardless of what they are). Mary has recently left her abusive husband and is now living alone in a new apartment. Great acting by Rachelle Lefevre, who is very different than your usual "blond with blue eyes" in Horror films.
As for the story - one of the best most original ideas I've ever seen in a Horror film. Perhaps the idea has been done before, but it's been a first time for me. Many Horror films attempt to make the audience scared and uncomfortable by relating to the terror and despair that are felt by the characters. The Caller does that in a remarkable way that is both original (even if not ground breaking) and immensely effective! That's the way to connect cross-time from Sc-Fi to victim control in Horror!
The cinematography is slightly disappointing, and some of the shots simply appeared a little amateur, as if done by someone not very comfortable with a camera. However, the profound audio effects really make up for it, I really liked them! And to top it all - not one of the annoying overused cheats appear! No visible silicone breasts, no death on account of car not starting, not even an inability to communicate due to a cellphone having no signal! Not to mention there's no use of the corny "sudden loud music to make you jump". There are a few scenes with quiet, close-up and then sudden noise, but delicately and gently done.
All in all - I don't like rating films too high, nor too low. I always look for shortcomings on account of being a pretty easy grader. The Caller, in my opinion, deserves a heck of a lot more recognition and compliments than it's been given. I loved every second of it, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a truly well made Horror film.
