DIRECTED by Danny Pang, Haunting Call delivers a supernatural horror-thriller that merges modern technology with age-old ghostly revenge. The film revolves around a haunted smartphone and the terrifying chain of events it triggers. While it is not without flaws, the movie manages to hold its ground as a watchable, if somewhat underwhelming, addition to the psychological horror genre.
Concept with untapped potential
The premise of Haunting Call is undoubtedly intriguing, a bullied high school girl’s spirit tied to her smartphone uses it to exact revenge. The storyline delves into themes of bullying, regret and redemption, all of which carry strong emotional resonance.
However, the execution leaves much to be desired. The narrative occasionally feels rushed and some scenes lack the tension and polish needed to elevate the film beyond a simple revenge tale.
The film’s unique selling point: the entire movie being shot using smartphones adds an interesting dimension. It enhances the sense of intimacy and realism, especially during key scenes of supernatural activity. However, this choice occasionally works against the film, with certain sequences feeling visually constrained.
