The Call 2020 – Oh Young-sook

The Call 2020 is a South Korean psychological thriller film that masterfully fuses science fiction with an enthralling narrative of fate, deception, and psychological manipulation. Directed by Lee Chung-hyun, this gripping movie is a remake of the 2011 film The Caller but infuses its storyline with bold thematic explorations and nuanced performances. Among its standout elements is Jeon Jong-seo’s electrifying portrayal of Oh Young-sook, a character whose haunting complexity propels the narrative into suspenseful and deeply unsettling territory.

Plot Overview

The film centers on two women living in different timelines who connect over a mysterious telephone line. Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) resides in 2019, while Oh Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo) lives in the same house two decades earlier, in 1999. Initially, their phone calls bring mutual solace, as each woman is grappling with personal struggles. Seo-yeon, estranged from her ailing mother, mourns the death of her father and a childhood wrecked by unresolved grief. Young-sook, meanwhile, is subjected to abuse by her adoptive mother, a cold and domineering shaman.

However, their friendship takes a dark turn when Seo-yeon inadvertently alters the past by helping Young-sook avoid her eventual death. This action frees Young-sook from a life of submission, but it comes at a chilling cost—she transforms into a ruthless serial killer. As Young-sook’s murders ripple through time, Seo-yeon’s present undergoes devastating changes, plunging her into a desperate fight for survival. The interplay of past and present creates a tense, multi-layered narrative that keeps audiences on edge until the shocking final scene.

The Significance of Oh Young-sook

At the heart of The Call is Oh Young-sook, a character whose dynamic transformation shapes the film’s tension and emotional depth. Young-sook begins as a seemingly sympathetic figure, confined by the abusive control of her mother and yearning for a different life. Her interactions with Seo-yeon are infused with a desperate vulnerability, as she clings to the prospect of altering her bleak reality.

However, Young-sook’s character arc takes a spine-chilling turn after she seizes control of her fate, liberating herself through acts of violence. Her evolution from a victim to a cold-blooded perpetrator explores themes of agency, moral corruption, and the blurred line between survival and monstrosity. This duality makes Young-sook both a terrifying and deeply tragic character, emphasizing the unpredictable consequences of meddling with time.

Jeon Jong-seo’s Hypnotic Performance

Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of Oh Young-sook is nothing short of extraordinary. Following her breakout role in Burning (2018), Jeon delivers a performance that solidifies her reputation as one of South Korea’s most versatile and captivating actors. Her ability to shift seamlessly between vulnerability and menace brings a captivating complexity to Young-sook, anchoring the film’s suspenseful tone.

Director Lee Chung-hyun noted that Jeon brought an intense, instinctual energy to the role, which elevated Young-sook’s psychological depth. Whether she’s projecting fear, rage, or chilling detachment, Jeon conveys her character’s inner turmoil with precision. Her performance is particularly remarkable in the scenes where Young-sook taunts Seo-yeon over the phone, her voice imbued with sinister glee even as her motives remain deeply personal.

Critics have universally praised Jeon’s tour-de-force turn in The Call. Anthony Kao of Cinema Escapist described her as “outstanding,” noting that her intense portrayal provided the film with “electrifying suspense that lasts even beyond its post-credit scenes.” From her emotional breakdowns to her deranged outbursts, Jeon’s embodiment of Young-sook commands attention and leaves an indelible mark on viewers.

Themes of The Call 2020

The film tackles several weighty themes, including the consequences of changing fate, the cyclical nature of violence, and the fragile dynamics of human relationships. Through Young-sook, The Call examines the destructive potential of anger and resentment, as her actions, while seemingly justified to gain freedom, spiral into unrepentant cruelty.

The film also explores the emotional toll of regret and unspoken trauma. Seo-yeon’s revelation that she accidentally caused the fire that killed her father adds an element of self-loathing to her character. Conversely, Young-sook’s rise as a serial killer symbolizes how one’s circumstances and choices can amplify latent darkness.

Cinematically, The Call uses its supernatural premise to amplify these human struggles, blending poignant character drama with pulse-pounding suspense.

Critical Reception

Upon its release on Netflix in November 2020, The Call received widespread acclaim for its inventive storytelling and bold performances. Holding a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is celebrated as a compelling addition to South Korea’s rich tradition of psychological thrillers. Critics applauded its gripping plot twists, eerie atmosphere, and the depth of its character-driven narrative.

Jeon Jong-seo garnered numerous accolades for her role, most notably the Best Actress award at the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards and the 30th Buil Film Awards. Her portrayal also earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the 15th Asian Film Awards, further cementing her status as a rising star in international cinema.

Jeon Jong-seo’s Career and Impact

Born in 1994, Jeon Jong-seo transitioned from her studies in film to global stardom with her debut in Burning. Her performance as Shin Hae-mi captivated audiences worldwide, setting a high bar for her future roles. With The Call, Jeon expanded her repertoire, delivering a villainous performance that highlighted her ability to explore complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Beyond The Call, Jeon has continued to shine as a bold and fearless performer. Her work in Netflix’s Money Heist: Korea and her English-language debut in Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon have further demonstrated her versatility. Jeon is not only a trailblazer for South Korean actors on the global stage but also a symbol of modern, character-driven storytelling.

The Lasting Legacy of The Call

While its plot is rooted in supernatural intrigue, The Call is a deeply human story about the choices we make and their unintended consequences. Oh Young-sook’s character serves as a chilling reminder of how trauma and oppression can manifest as uncontrollable darkness when left unchecked. Jeon Jong-seo’s gripping performance heightens this narrative, making Young-sook an iconic figure in psychological horror cinema.

The Call (2020) stands as a testament to South Korea’s ability to craft genre-defying films that resonate with audiences worldwide. For those seeking an intense blend of suspense, emotion, and thought-provoking themes, The Call delivers on every level.