"When all the sacrifices are complete God will forgive the trespasses." Hazel (Sarandon) is a detective is a town where nothing ever happens. When she stops in to see a local woman that hasn't been answering her phone she is shocked to see her murdered. When more and more bodies are found she suspects a serial killer. New officer Ben Wingate (Grace) starts to help her investigate and what they find is more chilling then they imagined. There are some movies that are very slow moving and hard to stay focused on. This is a slow moving movie that actually manages to hold your attention. This is kind of a mix of Seven and Boondock Saints in the way that the killings are related to the Bible but when you find out the reason for them you start to wonder if it's really a bad thing. This is a movie that you can not talk too much about without giving away something but I will say that I did enjoy this even though it did seem to drag in a few parts. Overall, a creepy movie that is worth seeing but you have to be in the mood for it. I give it a B.
52 Reviews
contemplative more than thrilling
jdeureka26 September 2014
This movie's genre is mis-named. It's contemplative. It's also as dark, northern & cold as its Canadian landscape. Could the same effects not have also been achieved by a director or movie from Finland or Sweden or even Germany? (Compare the slow tempo of much German cinema.) It's a story about a state of mind with little light & much darkness -- and death is just a kiss away. Of course it also has a thriller, hunt-'em-down narrative. But I do not think that is the point. The story masks an attempt to portray a state of mind -- where do I go now? life seems hopeless, pointless & what's the use? -- concerning which mood of mind all of the actors are superb, first rate older (& younger) pros. This is definitely not a fun flick. But definitely first-rate in its own quirky way. Thank you. PS: Why is so much Canadian-based cinema so bitter and dark?
Sarandon is Superb in this Serial Killer Flick
larrys324 September 2014
At times this serial killer flick can be too stomach-churningly gruesome and grim for my tastes. However, the all star-cast and an absorbing storyline eventually won me over.
Susan Sarandon is superb as the pain pill-popping, heavy drinking, and unfiltered Acting Police Chief Hazel Micallef, in the small town of Fort Dundas, Canada. Topher Grace is also excellent as the young police officer Ben Wingate, who's transferred to Fort Dundas from Toronto, to get a fresh start after the death of his life partner. As mentioned, there's a strong all-star cast here, which includes Ellen Burstyn, Gil Bellows, Donald Sutherland, and Christopher Heyerdahl.
We find out about half-way through the movie who the serial killer actually is, but the actual motives of the killer are not initially what is supposed, as we slowly find out what the real reasons are for the slayings all across Canada. The film, I thought, began to follow a predictable path but then a few twists near the end, I felt, enhanced the movie.
In summary, I felt the filmmakers put a little too much emphasis on the gruesome, but I found myself, with the strong performances and the rather engrossing plot being interested throughout.
The movie was directed by Jason Stone with a screenplay from Scott Abramovitch, based on the novel by Inger Ash Wolfe
Susan Sarandon is superb as the pain pill-popping, heavy drinking, and unfiltered Acting Police Chief Hazel Micallef, in the small town of Fort Dundas, Canada. Topher Grace is also excellent as the young police officer Ben Wingate, who's transferred to Fort Dundas from Toronto, to get a fresh start after the death of his life partner. As mentioned, there's a strong all-star cast here, which includes Ellen Burstyn, Gil Bellows, Donald Sutherland, and Christopher Heyerdahl.
We find out about half-way through the movie who the serial killer actually is, but the actual motives of the killer are not initially what is supposed, as we slowly find out what the real reasons are for the slayings all across Canada. The film, I thought, began to follow a predictable path but then a few twists near the end, I felt, enhanced the movie.
In summary, I felt the filmmakers put a little too much emphasis on the gruesome, but I found myself, with the strong performances and the rather engrossing plot being interested throughout.
The movie was directed by Jason Stone with a screenplay from Scott Abramovitch, based on the novel by Inger Ash Wolfe
A Dark Slow Paced Thriller
nebk27 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The Calling is a subtle yet dark thriller starring Susan Sarandon as an aging detective called Hazel Micallef who is the chief of police in a small Canadian Town. She is a pill popping heavy drinking police officer who at first glance appears disinterested in the life in her small town. This changes when two murders occur within a space of three days. Soon her and her colleagues (Gill Bellows and Topher Grace) are convinced that there is a serial killer (Christopher Heyerdahl) stalking and mutilating devout Catholics throughout Canada.
It becomes apparent to Hazel upon a consultation with a priest called Father Price (Donald Sutherland) that the murders are based on ancient Christian Myths and writings regarding resurrection. No one has picked up on this as the killer disguises his acts by making some of them appear like suicides and mutilating other victims in different ways.
Major Spoilers Ahead: What makes this film slightly different to the usual serial killer fare is the fact that the victims offer themselves as sacrifices in order to save their souls whilst the killer believes he is a healer who will resurrect someone by offering 12 willing sacrifices. So it's not the usual predator stalking the prey idea that is the norm in films dealing with serial killers.
Overall, this movie is somewhat slow paced and not action packed, but it is still worth watching due to the acting from Sarandon, Grace, Sutherland and Heyerdahl amongst others. The story itself is not bad and might interest someone who is looking for a dark and slower paced film which does not have car chases, gun fights or explosions galore. I would rate it between a 6-6.5/10. Worth checking out.
It becomes apparent to Hazel upon a consultation with a priest called Father Price (Donald Sutherland) that the murders are based on ancient Christian Myths and writings regarding resurrection. No one has picked up on this as the killer disguises his acts by making some of them appear like suicides and mutilating other victims in different ways.
Major Spoilers Ahead: What makes this film slightly different to the usual serial killer fare is the fact that the victims offer themselves as sacrifices in order to save their souls whilst the killer believes he is a healer who will resurrect someone by offering 12 willing sacrifices. So it's not the usual predator stalking the prey idea that is the norm in films dealing with serial killers.
Overall, this movie is somewhat slow paced and not action packed, but it is still worth watching due to the acting from Sarandon, Grace, Sutherland and Heyerdahl amongst others. The story itself is not bad and might interest someone who is looking for a dark and slower paced film which does not have car chases, gun fights or explosions galore. I would rate it between a 6-6.5/10. Worth checking out.
Can you hear it?
kosmasp14 June 2015
Some people claim they can hear the Calling, like our main bad guy in this movie. While there are some shades and he does have a goal, most of the viewers will not root for him. Of course there is controversy with a theme like that, though I'm surprised that Ebert (movie critic) gave it one of four stars.
Just the acting alone should make you feel this deserves more. Even if you don't like Susan Sarandons character, the way she portrays her and plays her is just amazing. The supporting cast is great too, though it's not a "whoddunnit", but more a "whydunnit". Though the latter might be spoiled in most reviews of the movie. I won't do that here, though I know the "reason" will not be everyones cup of tea. You'll either be engaged with this or you won't
Just the acting alone should make you feel this deserves more. Even if you don't like Susan Sarandons character, the way she portrays her and plays her is just amazing. The supporting cast is great too, though it's not a "whoddunnit", but more a "whydunnit". Though the latter might be spoiled in most reviews of the movie. I won't do that here, though I know the "reason" will not be everyones cup of tea. You'll either be engaged with this or you won't
Not a fast paced thriller but.....
ladcrooks-26-19289317 September 2014
Sometimes we want a fast paced thriller, but in reality life is not like that! Nowadays I like films with more realism, its not to say that a film cannot have more crammed into it. Silence of the Lambs - that's my favorite creepy serial killer film which had plenty of material rammed into that.
The drunken drug worn out sheriff, doesn't matter who you are in life that part can get anybody, she wasn't legless but needed a tipple here and there and painkillers for some ailment she had.
I quite liked the film, bit empty in some areas, and as said slow paced. Its not a film i would pay to watch at the cinema but if I sat at home one evening and watched it on TV i would not feel cheated out of any hrs watching it.
Very watchable - Not a bad film, far from it!
The drunken drug worn out sheriff, doesn't matter who you are in life that part can get anybody, she wasn't legless but needed a tipple here and there and painkillers for some ailment she had.
I quite liked the film, bit empty in some areas, and as said slow paced. Its not a film i would pay to watch at the cinema but if I sat at home one evening and watched it on TV i would not feel cheated out of any hrs watching it.
Very watchable - Not a bad film, far from it!
A sleeper, but way good
BrianLlywd6 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Despite a few plot flaws, this picture was way better than anticipated. If a thriller is only really good if compelling then this one is a winner. Sarandan is a small town copper who trips over a serial killer, manages to manage a predilection for whiskey (can't blame her for that) manages to connect the dots, and manages to find and follow the leads to a tension filled conclusion. Donald Sutherland, as an ageing priest, is as he always is... wearing a role like a comfortable suit of vraiments. Gil Bellows (who I liked so much in 3 Days in Havana) takes himself up another step in my appreciation. My fellow watcher commented that it's like a Dan Brown movie... but good. And I agree.
Serial Killing for Salvation
tigerfish506 January 2016
Set in the wintry rural wasteland of Canada, 'The Calling' could be the bastard child of 'Fargo' and 'Omen'. The film begins with depressed, alcoholic, pill-popping Sheriff Hazel roused from her suicidal daydreams when the mutilated corpse of an elderly female acquaintance is discovered After Hazel learns several other mutilated remains have been scattered around the frozen countryside, she begins to suspect a deranged predator might be on the prowl in her precinct. Scoffed at by her superior, she marshals the small town's oddball duo of police officers and their perky receptionist to catch themselves a serial killer. Before too long, Hazel and her team are sipping strong black coffee in their cruisers and detecting like big city gumshoes.
The script reveals some glaring holes as Hazel's investigations uncover an occult connection linking the killings. Thankfully, decent acting papers over some of these threadbare patches. When a few of the loose ends are tied up at the conclusion, the killer turns out to be a routine lunatic, and the rationale for his murderous activities is the standard silliness for this genre of film.
The script reveals some glaring holes as Hazel's investigations uncover an occult connection linking the killings. Thankfully, decent acting papers over some of these threadbare patches. When a few of the loose ends are tied up at the conclusion, the killer turns out to be a routine lunatic, and the rationale for his murderous activities is the standard silliness for this genre of film.
Uneventful but solid thriller
jtindahouse15 December 2015
'The Calling' is one of those movies that never tries to stand out in any way. It never tries to shock its audience and win points with extra levels of violence or shocking plot twists that leave your mouth gaping open. It is simply content being a solid, well acted film that audiences can appreciate and then most likely forget. And that's OK. It's better than a film trying to be more than what it's capable of and turning into a bombsite. Director Jason Stone, in his feature film debut, made the call to go down this route and I think it was a good decision all things considered.
The movie has a solid cast, but not an overly exciting one. Susan Sarandon, Donald Sutherland, Topher Grace, Ellen Burstyn - all fine actors, however none of them are going to steal a scene or bring a lot of energy to the film. That was one issue with the film, was that it always felt a little flat. No real action scenes or plot twists can find the movie going through the motions, discovering clue after clue, until the final showdown and then it's over. Solid, but a little tedious at times. Nevertheless it's more watchable than a number of thrillers being released today and it certainly isn't going to offend anyone. Give it a look.
The movie has a solid cast, but not an overly exciting one. Susan Sarandon, Donald Sutherland, Topher Grace, Ellen Burstyn - all fine actors, however none of them are going to steal a scene or bring a lot of energy to the film. That was one issue with the film, was that it always felt a little flat. No real action scenes or plot twists can find the movie going through the motions, discovering clue after clue, until the final showdown and then it's over. Solid, but a little tedious at times. Nevertheless it's more watchable than a number of thrillers being released today and it certainly isn't going to offend anyone. Give it a look.
Purgamentum init.
rmax3048238 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I wouldn't bother with this tale of yet another serial killer working his way across Canada and disrupting the quiet life of police officer Susan Sarandon. It's completely implausible and except for Susan Sarandon's performance it just another piece of serial killer junk with Christopher Heyerdahl as the priestly murderer trying to kill a dozen people in order to raise his brother, now soaked in formaldehyde, from the dead.
There is some Latin mumbo jumbo about an ancient Christian blessing that is difficult to connect to the story. Even less comprehensible is the requisite clues that the killer leaves behind -- the mouths of his victims shaping the Latin expression for "free us." Nothing in the secret blessing about that, but plenty about it in the script. The killer must always leave behind some puzzle for the police to figure out, whether it's in the shape of a pentagram or quotations from "Through the Looking Glass." How can the murderer shape the vocal organs -- the tongue, the teeth, the lips -- of his victims before rigor, you ask? There are some things man was never meant to know.
Sarandon does her usual professional job. She's aging but there's a certain elegance in aging features and a thin line between beauty and baseness. Ellen Burstyn is pretty good too, as Sarandon's earthy mother. Heyerdahl, groomed in such a way as to make his skull seem abnormal, will make your hair stand on end. Aside from that, the film isn't worth going on about.
There is some Latin mumbo jumbo about an ancient Christian blessing that is difficult to connect to the story. Even less comprehensible is the requisite clues that the killer leaves behind -- the mouths of his victims shaping the Latin expression for "free us." Nothing in the secret blessing about that, but plenty about it in the script. The killer must always leave behind some puzzle for the police to figure out, whether it's in the shape of a pentagram or quotations from "Through the Looking Glass." How can the murderer shape the vocal organs -- the tongue, the teeth, the lips -- of his victims before rigor, you ask? There are some things man was never meant to know.
Sarandon does her usual professional job. She's aging but there's a certain elegance in aging features and a thin line between beauty and baseness. Ellen Burstyn is pretty good too, as Sarandon's earthy mother. Heyerdahl, groomed in such a way as to make his skull seem abnormal, will make your hair stand on end. Aside from that, the film isn't worth going on about.
I was rooting for the Serial Killer in the end.
nick-126510 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Although we as viewers had to fill in many gaps this movie is well worth a watch. Made a refreshing change from the usual serial killer plot. In any other movie the outcomes of certain scenes would have been easily predictable. Basically it's about an aspect of the Bible that was never committed to written text and a man driven by love who seeks to correct a societal injustice which resulted in the death of someone very close to him. The serial killer was far removed from the usual Hollywood stereotype to the extent that in one of the final scenes the outcome was completely unpredictable while at the same time completely understandable. It reminded me ( loosely in the end ) of Medicine Man.
Too routine to recommend, though Sarandon is excellent
secondtake27 October 2014
The Calling (2014)
It's weird to see how routine this kind of movie has become. And how obvious the influences are. Take "Fargo" and put it Canada (same snow, some parochial setting, and same kind of earthy woman cop). Then remove all the originality and verve, and you have "The Calling."
Serial killers are of course more common in the movies than in real life, thankfully. And they all require weird methods, patterns with exceptions to the pattern, and a single (often painfully solitary) cop on the hunt. Susan Sarandon plays the cop, the good guy if you will, and I actually think she does a great job. If she can't match MacDormand in "Fargo" it's partly or mostly because of the writing and direction. In this movie, director Jason Stone in his first full length film, shows he's still learning. And borrowing from good sources. But we all know the formulae, and need more than that. Where do guys like him get budgets and approvals and a couple of great actors when there are so many talented men—and women!—who have shown more mettle and imagination in the trenches?
What remains isn't a disaster, but it's a bit of a trudge. Don't blame Sarandon, who makes it charming overall. There is an intention toward realism here, and yet the scenes are a combination of grotesque and whimsical. The murders are horrible, and beyond probably what is normal horror though I don't really know how the world of murder works. And the people are so homespun and regular, worried about their coffees of course, that they lighten up the whole movie without making it comic.
So, it's not, for sure, a disaster. I don't know that I'd call that a recommendation. There are better films of this type out there (without going to the top of the genre with "Silence of the Lambs" and so forth). But there are worse!
It's weird to see how routine this kind of movie has become. And how obvious the influences are. Take "Fargo" and put it Canada (same snow, some parochial setting, and same kind of earthy woman cop). Then remove all the originality and verve, and you have "The Calling."
Serial killers are of course more common in the movies than in real life, thankfully. And they all require weird methods, patterns with exceptions to the pattern, and a single (often painfully solitary) cop on the hunt. Susan Sarandon plays the cop, the good guy if you will, and I actually think she does a great job. If she can't match MacDormand in "Fargo" it's partly or mostly because of the writing and direction. In this movie, director Jason Stone in his first full length film, shows he's still learning. And borrowing from good sources. But we all know the formulae, and need more than that. Where do guys like him get budgets and approvals and a couple of great actors when there are so many talented men—and women!—who have shown more mettle and imagination in the trenches?
What remains isn't a disaster, but it's a bit of a trudge. Don't blame Sarandon, who makes it charming overall. There is an intention toward realism here, and yet the scenes are a combination of grotesque and whimsical. The murders are horrible, and beyond probably what is normal horror though I don't really know how the world of murder works. And the people are so homespun and regular, worried about their coffees of course, that they lighten up the whole movie without making it comic.
So, it's not, for sure, a disaster. I don't know that I'd call that a recommendation. There are better films of this type out there (without going to the top of the genre with "Silence of the Lambs" and so forth). But there are worse!
Utter garbage
derailed-220 August 2014
It's not a thriller, because it fails to thrill. It's not a detective story, because killer is presented in the very beginning. I doubt this can even be called a "movie". Nothing really moves in it.
Don't actually understand what the director was trying to say with all that. Susan Sarandon's alcohol and drug addicted character has zero appeal, and minor (every other) characters offer much less. Heyerdahl basically reprises his role of "manic preacher" Swede from Hell on Wheels. I wonder if this is the one and only line he is capable of doing.
Let the critics toss their usual "capturing, fascinating, well-made" and other pretentious and ultimately meaningless BS. I don't even want to mention ridiculous technical blunders. The movie is just boring, trivial and daft. Can't really imagine a person who would like this. Even if you are huge fan of Sarandon obviously you can find better instances of her brilliance.
Don't waste your time on this rubbish.
Don't actually understand what the director was trying to say with all that. Susan Sarandon's alcohol and drug addicted character has zero appeal, and minor (every other) characters offer much less. Heyerdahl basically reprises his role of "manic preacher" Swede from Hell on Wheels. I wonder if this is the one and only line he is capable of doing.
Let the critics toss their usual "capturing, fascinating, well-made" and other pretentious and ultimately meaningless BS. I don't even want to mention ridiculous technical blunders. The movie is just boring, trivial and daft. Can't really imagine a person who would like this. Even if you are huge fan of Sarandon obviously you can find better instances of her brilliance.
Don't waste your time on this rubbish.
Hi, my name is Simon and I'm collecting souls! Care to donate?
Coventry7 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Yours truly is a major sucker for (serial) murder stories set in small town locations, so "The Calling" already appeared on my radar when it first got released. I nevertheless patiently waited until it aired on television, because I was quite wary regarding the involvement of giant Hollywood names. Famous actors and actresses undoubtedly add quality and prestige to a thriller (especially if these are veteran names like Susan Sarandon, Ellen Burstyn and Donald Sutherland), but too often it's also an indication that the film might be "softer" and more restricted in terms of explicit violence, rawness and shocks. "The Calling" indeed isn't a film for gore or smut seekers, alas, but it still is a more than adequate effort thanks to the compelling plot, the efficient use of sets and scenery and - of course - the beautifully integer performances. It's been a while since I watched a good serial killer movie set within the sinister world of Catholicism, and I recommend "The Calling" to people who like convoluted, absorbing and well-structured stories. Remarkably enough, police chief Hazel Micallef (Sarandon) and her team (including Topher Grace and Gill Bellows) don't have too much trouble discovering the identity of the murderer, but the mystery is merely emerging from his patterns, modus operandi and motivations. The stoic and intelligent killer, named Simon, leaves a vague (and admittedly far-fetched) trail on the faces of his victims that leads to an ancient theological poem in Latin. Revealing the meaning of this poem would give away too many spoilers, but let's just state that Simon is (or, at least, considers himself to be) a sort of prophet with a - titular - calling. Debuting director Jason Stone's pacing balances between atmospheric and dull, with sadly too many slow parts and too much dialog. There's hardly any action, but a good portion of suspense is provided by the performance of Christopher Heyerdahl as the odd but menacing killer. It's praiseworthy for a relatively unknown actor to stand out in such an ensemble cast.
Better Than Average Gumshoe - The Calling
arthur_tafero4 April 2019
I like intelligent mysteries, and generally avoid simple-minded cop movies. But this one makes the grade as an above-average cop film, even with the obvious comparisons that will be made with Fargo. Sarandon is not as good as Frances McDormand, but she does look good for her age. She is believable as a substance-abusing chief of police in a small town in Canada.
The plot's the thing, though. Good stories make for good films, and this one is fairly original, considering all the crappy remakes of remakes that are popping up all over the place. The dialogue is crisp and the characters are believable. I also like the twists in the film; I will not reveal what they are, but they are entertaining. Sutherland gives a very nice performance, as does the rest of the cast. Worth viewing.
I recommend it
Gordon-112 July 2017
This film tells the story of a female detective in a quiet small town, who is addicted to alcohol and pills. Her great friend is murdered one day, and she sets out to find the murderer. Two days later, another murder occurs, and she is determined to get to the bottom of it.
"The Calling" starts off very slow, and I have to say I was about to lose interest in it. Fortunately, the plot turns very engaging soon after the second murder occurs. The puzzle presented here is certainly different from other crime films, which makes this film more captivating. Topher Grace is very good as a young policeman who is intelligent and dedicated. Susan Sarandon looks very good in the film, and I can't quite believe she is already over seventy. I enjoyed this film, and I would recommend it to others.
"The Calling" starts off very slow, and I have to say I was about to lose interest in it. Fortunately, the plot turns very engaging soon after the second murder occurs. The puzzle presented here is certainly different from other crime films, which makes this film more captivating. Topher Grace is very good as a young policeman who is intelligent and dedicated. Susan Sarandon looks very good in the film, and I can't quite believe she is already over seventy. I enjoyed this film, and I would recommend it to others.
Good For The First Third, But Falls Away Sharpish After That
dfa12037419 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Inspector Hazel Micallef, a Fort Dundas police officer living with her mother Emily, has her normally quiet routine interrupted when she is called to check in on Delia Chandler, a local elderly resident, and finds Delia gruesomely murdered with her face moulded into an apparent open-mouthed scream. The local coroner, however, advises them that shaping the face would have required the killer to hold it in position for at least an hour post-mortem. When Micallef, along with detective Ray Green and new officer Ben Wingate, find out that other murders have been committed with the same m.o., they realise that the killer is trying to convey a message and must be stopped before he kills again.
First thing that you think of when you start watching The Calling is Fargo because this has a very similar look & feel to that film. Unfortunately, The Calling is just as boring as Fargo as well. The film starts out OK, not moving too fast and building up the story pretty nicely as it goes along, but it gets to a certain point where, instead of getting more exciting/thrilling, it goes the other way and gets slower.
I enjoyed about the 1st 40 minutes or so as it was interesting and was good the way the plot was unfolding, but not long after that, my interest started to fade as it just started to get boring and I got to the point where I just didn't care why the killer was doing what he was doing.
The movie's cast was pretty good with Susan Sarandon (even though I think she's HIGHLY overrated), Donald Sutherland (even if he is only in the film for a total of about 10 minutes), and Gil Bellows, but even they couldn't save this movie from being a bit or a snore-fest.
The Calling, overall, is not that bad of a movie, but it's most definitely not the best.
First thing that you think of when you start watching The Calling is Fargo because this has a very similar look & feel to that film. Unfortunately, The Calling is just as boring as Fargo as well. The film starts out OK, not moving too fast and building up the story pretty nicely as it goes along, but it gets to a certain point where, instead of getting more exciting/thrilling, it goes the other way and gets slower.
I enjoyed about the 1st 40 minutes or so as it was interesting and was good the way the plot was unfolding, but not long after that, my interest started to fade as it just started to get boring and I got to the point where I just didn't care why the killer was doing what he was doing.
The movie's cast was pretty good with Susan Sarandon (even though I think she's HIGHLY overrated), Donald Sutherland (even if he is only in the film for a total of about 10 minutes), and Gil Bellows, but even they couldn't save this movie from being a bit or a snore-fest.
The Calling, overall, is not that bad of a movie, but it's most definitely not the best.
Original little home town serial killer movie
robertemerald10 November 2018
There are aspects of this movie that remind me of Fargo, centred as it around a small town detective. Susan Sarandon is superb in this. The other actors are of a high calibre, which is the secret to its success. The plot is unusual and surprising. It's a little sedate for a movie about a serial killer, but has a good if not racing pace, and keeps one guessing for most of the time. On my dvd the colour seemed muted, but perhaps that was the dvd. I'm glad I watched it. It's not Silence of the Lambs but its very worthy of its genre.
The greatest crime is that it doesn't offer anything new
estebangonzalez108 July 2015
"I've never seen anything like this."
With so many great TV shows about serial killers and police procedurals, it's hard to find The Calling appealing. It's getting more difficult to direct an engaging and suspenseful film in just a two hour period because these series have more time to explore the characters and allow us to engage with them. If directors want to have success with this genre it's necessary to come up with either an intriguing and original story or give the film a unique artistic style. The Calling does neither of the two. This is director Jason Stone's first full feature length film, and despite having Susan Sarandon in the star role there is very little about this procedural that feels authentic or new. Everything about this film feels recycled from other better movies or series and even the fact that the story centers on a strong female lead isn't new anymore (Fargo is a film that easily comes to mind) and neither is its sombre tone.
The film was adapted by Scott Abramovitch from Inger Ash Wolfe's novel and it centers around a local small town detective named Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon) who really hasn't had much to do during her years of service. She drinks a lot of alcohol to fight her depression and she continues to live with her mother, Emily (Ellen Burstyn) with whom she doesn't seem to get along too well. One day she discovers a gruesome murder of one of the town's old ladies and as she investigates the case she is convinced it's the work of a serial killer. Hazel and her partner, Detective Ray (Gil Bellows), welcome a new and young officer, Ben Wingate (Topher Grace), who has transferred from a big city and is eager to help on the case. They discover that there have been a number of unrelated murders in nearby towns and that these killings all seem to be spiritual so they consult on the case with Father Price (Donald Sutherland). But as they get closer to the killer the more exposed they are.
To be honest the film does do a decent job at building the suspense and keeping the audience interested in what is going on during the first half of the movie. Unfortunately the film loses its appeal during the second part and the resolution is far from being memorable. It's unfortunate because the cast is rather strong and Sarandon delivers a solid performance, but her character is a walking cliché and one we've seen represented in movies many times before. The talented Donald Sutherland and Ellen Burstyn are completely wasted in this film and they could've been given much more to do with their roles instead of simply showing up a couple of times on screen. There simply isn't anything here that makes The Calling stand out from other films in the genre, and that is its greatest crime.
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With so many great TV shows about serial killers and police procedurals, it's hard to find The Calling appealing. It's getting more difficult to direct an engaging and suspenseful film in just a two hour period because these series have more time to explore the characters and allow us to engage with them. If directors want to have success with this genre it's necessary to come up with either an intriguing and original story or give the film a unique artistic style. The Calling does neither of the two. This is director Jason Stone's first full feature length film, and despite having Susan Sarandon in the star role there is very little about this procedural that feels authentic or new. Everything about this film feels recycled from other better movies or series and even the fact that the story centers on a strong female lead isn't new anymore (Fargo is a film that easily comes to mind) and neither is its sombre tone.
The film was adapted by Scott Abramovitch from Inger Ash Wolfe's novel and it centers around a local small town detective named Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon) who really hasn't had much to do during her years of service. She drinks a lot of alcohol to fight her depression and she continues to live with her mother, Emily (Ellen Burstyn) with whom she doesn't seem to get along too well. One day she discovers a gruesome murder of one of the town's old ladies and as she investigates the case she is convinced it's the work of a serial killer. Hazel and her partner, Detective Ray (Gil Bellows), welcome a new and young officer, Ben Wingate (Topher Grace), who has transferred from a big city and is eager to help on the case. They discover that there have been a number of unrelated murders in nearby towns and that these killings all seem to be spiritual so they consult on the case with Father Price (Donald Sutherland). But as they get closer to the killer the more exposed they are.
To be honest the film does do a decent job at building the suspense and keeping the audience interested in what is going on during the first half of the movie. Unfortunately the film loses its appeal during the second part and the resolution is far from being memorable. It's unfortunate because the cast is rather strong and Sarandon delivers a solid performance, but her character is a walking cliché and one we've seen represented in movies many times before. The talented Donald Sutherland and Ellen Burstyn are completely wasted in this film and they could've been given much more to do with their roles instead of simply showing up a couple of times on screen. There simply isn't anything here that makes The Calling stand out from other films in the genre, and that is its greatest crime.
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This movie surprised me in a very good way!
playbobbie1319 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I took a chance with this unknown. It's the cast that drew me to it! As I watched I was thoroughly engrossed! I'll admit, the idea of this movie taking place in Canada was a bonus too. Yes, I'm Canadian. But the location notwithstanding, this movie was a brilliant crime movie. Very well acted, brilliantly scripted and the cinematography suited the film so well. This movie may cause a debate surrounding the Bible and it's place in the modern world and that is a good thing. Through discussion comes understanding...and change! I'm not sure if that is WHY this movie was made as opposed to just making a great thriller but either way, I loved it!
Disappointed
gardeningandbooks25 March 2019
I recently read the book before watching the movie. I feel if I had not read the book, I would not have understood the movie. Too much was left out. They left out good characters, took the spunk away from Hazel and her mother. Too many changes to what was a really good book. Love Susan Sarandon, but very disappointed in this movie.
Excellent Movie
cliffmacdev11 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I am not sure what the other reviews were about? It is a slow movie but as it should be. I cannot speak for the director but my take on this movie is that it was well directed with superb casting. The atmosphere and locations were brilliant. The pacing excellent and the content relevant. The actors were superb especially Sarandon and the killer. My only reservations being that, this should have been a TV series. You had these wonderful flawed characters that could have had brilliant back stories, which would have made for excellent intellectual viewing! Susan Sarandon's character had to have had riveting experiences to create her final flawed current state. Alcoholism, Drug Taking, Loss of child, Topher Grace's homosexuality and the police force's response, Donald Sutherland's emotional disturbance, Sarandon's mother's guilt that created Sarandon's instability , the killer, too much to list, all their histories would have been memorizing! These characters should have been developed more but I doubt it could have been done as a movie. What a waste!
cold murders
SnoopyStyle22 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon) is the detective superintendent of the small quiet town of Fort Dundas, Ontario, Canada. She likes her liquor and pills. She's recovering from back problems and OD hospitalization. Her mother (Ellen Burstyn) is concerned. She finds an elder almost decapitated. It's the first murder in four years. Detective Ray Green (Gil Bellows) asks for outside help but she rejects the concern. Ben Wingate (Topher Grace) is the new deputy arriving from Toronto. Another murder occurs in a nearby jurisdiction and they're called in. The victim's stomach has been removed and fed to the dogs. Hazel asks for help fearing a serial killer but is rejected. As more victims are uncovered, they find their mouths have been manipulated and Father Price (Donald Sutherland) is consulted. Meanwhile, a waitress (Kristin Booth) invites a mystery man (Christopher Heyerdahl) to her home to treat her terribly ill daughter.
This cast is surprisingly first rate for a small Canadian serial killer movie. It has a quiet moodiness similar to those Scandinavian killing films. It does have a bit of humor which differentiates it and gives it its Canadianishness. It's an enticing serial killer movie even if it's a little slow. There isn't any mystery as the killer is shown early on. It is very questionable that this small town police officer is hopping across the country without contacting the local cops. The murders are not maximum compelling due to the cooperating victims. The big time cast keeps it interesting but it's not quite the moody indie thriller it hopes to be. The last act is over-extended. The killer returns back to the town which erases one of the killing's premise. All in all, it's a flawed but interesting film.
This cast is surprisingly first rate for a small Canadian serial killer movie. It has a quiet moodiness similar to those Scandinavian killing films. It does have a bit of humor which differentiates it and gives it its Canadianishness. It's an enticing serial killer movie even if it's a little slow. There isn't any mystery as the killer is shown early on. It is very questionable that this small town police officer is hopping across the country without contacting the local cops. The murders are not maximum compelling due to the cooperating victims. The big time cast keeps it interesting but it's not quite the moody indie thriller it hopes to be. The last act is over-extended. The killer returns back to the town which erases one of the killing's premise. All in all, it's a flawed but interesting film.
Basic Thriller! 3/10
leonblackwood14 March 2015
Review: This is a very average movie about a serial killer whose on the loose in a small town. As you know who the killer is right from the beginning, there isn't anything that surprising happening from beginning to end. Your just watching the police pieces the clues together, which wasn't that exciting. The lead character (Sarandon), is head of the whole operation but with her addiction to pain-killers and drink, she finds it hard to juggle her professional career with her personal life. Her only escapism from her somewhat glum personal life is to give the case her all, with the help of a new cop who helps her track down the killer. I was hoping for a major twist to make the movie slightly interesting but nothing that exciting happens. When they finally piece all of the pieces together, it's just a matter of time before the killer comes face to face with the cops but it still sticks with the slow pace which made me go to sleep after a while. The performances were also nothing that fantastic but the baddie did look pretty evil. Anyway, it's not anything amazing but I'm sure it will make a good TV movie. Boring!
Round-Up: I've seen Topher Grace in quite a lot of movies lately but I still find him to be a basic actor who hasn't got a long range. He played the baddie in the new Predators and he stars in the big budget Instellar but he hasn't become a household name yet and to be honest, I doubt that he will. That's not to say that he's a bad actor because I have seen worse, but he's geeky looks and lack of screen charisma means that he would have to get the perfect role to push him into the mainstream. Susan Sarandon on the other hand is a veteran in the game and she still has been cast in some big movies like the strange Cloud Atlas and Tammy so at the age of 68, there's no signs of her taking a rest. As for this movie, it would have been much better if you didn't know who the killer was until the end of the movie. The fact that the director chose to take out the suspense element, didn't leave the audience much to work with which is why it seemed so basic. I recommend this movie to people who are into their drama/thrillers about a bunch of cops, working together to try and catch a warped minded serial killer. 3/10
Round-Up: I've seen Topher Grace in quite a lot of movies lately but I still find him to be a basic actor who hasn't got a long range. He played the baddie in the new Predators and he stars in the big budget Instellar but he hasn't become a household name yet and to be honest, I doubt that he will. That's not to say that he's a bad actor because I have seen worse, but he's geeky looks and lack of screen charisma means that he would have to get the perfect role to push him into the mainstream. Susan Sarandon on the other hand is a veteran in the game and she still has been cast in some big movies like the strange Cloud Atlas and Tammy so at the age of 68, there's no signs of her taking a rest. As for this movie, it would have been much better if you didn't know who the killer was until the end of the movie. The fact that the director chose to take out the suspense element, didn't leave the audience much to work with which is why it seemed so basic. I recommend this movie to people who are into their drama/thrillers about a bunch of cops, working together to try and catch a warped minded serial killer. 3/10
Engaging
bob-rutzel-239-52543031 May 2015
Detective Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon) has her emotional problems in a sleepy Canadian town and life is easy and slow until some murders awaken her sensibilities. She notices that the murdered people seem to have their mouths manipulated to mouth words, but what words are being said? More murders confirm this hunch and what is the murderer trying to say? Got your attention now?
As I started to watch, I felt this played like a good mystery for FARGO (yes, and snow all over the place, too) and I kept hoping I would hear, "Ya, you betcha" coming from Detective Hazel's lips. Okay, just a thought. But here's another thought: why does the hero always seem to have emotional problems that play upon our "sensibilities?" Huh? Okay, just another thought.
This is slow going, but gets us engaged without any hi-speed car chases or fantastic CGI. The reason this engages us is because we are constantly hearing questions about the murders and learn that the murders may be linked to the Bible? Say whaaaat? Okay, now we are fully engaged.
Notables: Donald Sutherland, Ellen Burstyn, Christopher Heyerdahl.
There is a very big twist at the very end that may have you questioning things . maybe. Just another thought. But keep in mind: a very big twist. Really big! (7/10) Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Gruesome scenes: Yes, bloody too. Language: Yes, not much
As I started to watch, I felt this played like a good mystery for FARGO (yes, and snow all over the place, too) and I kept hoping I would hear, "Ya, you betcha" coming from Detective Hazel's lips. Okay, just a thought. But here's another thought: why does the hero always seem to have emotional problems that play upon our "sensibilities?" Huh? Okay, just another thought.
This is slow going, but gets us engaged without any hi-speed car chases or fantastic CGI. The reason this engages us is because we are constantly hearing questions about the murders and learn that the murders may be linked to the Bible? Say whaaaat? Okay, now we are fully engaged.
Notables: Donald Sutherland, Ellen Burstyn, Christopher Heyerdahl.
There is a very big twist at the very end that may have you questioning things . maybe. Just another thought. But keep in mind: a very big twist. Really big! (7/10) Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Gruesome scenes: Yes, bloody too. Language: Yes, not much
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