‘Poor Morgan. Grounded and alone. With no one to talk to except herself… And the phone.’
Close Calls is a 2017 American horror thriller film written, produced and directed by Richard Stringham (executive producer of 10/31). The movie stars Jordan Phipps, Greg Fallon, and Carmen Patterson.
The film is set to be released across multiple digital platforms on January 11, 2019.
Review:
When Close Calls begins, the first image that appears on the screen is of a VHS tape. Even though it’s just a part of the logo for S & Drive Cinema, that is exactly the right image to start this film off with because Close Calls is a throwback to the horror films of the late ’70s and the early ’80s. It’s a film that pays homage to the old slasher and haunted house productions that, though they may not have had a huge budget, did have an abundance of atmosphere, shocks, and out-of-control plot twists.
Teenager Morgan MacKenzie (Jordan Phipps) has her own very good reasons for being upset with the world in general. She is still struggling to deal with the death of her mother, something that is not made any easier by the fact that her father, David (Kristof Waltermire), is now dating the bitchy Brynn (Carmen Patterson). Indeed, Morgan describes Brynn as being a “steaming pile of bitch.”
Morgan lives in a really nice house but due to her rebellious attitude and her casual drug use, her father has grounded her and refuses to trust her. Whenever David leaves the house, he takes Morgan’s phone with him so she is literally a prisoner in the house, with her only company being her rather strange grandmother (Janis Duley). Grandma spends her time upstairs, occasionally ringing a bell to let Morgan know that she needs something.
Close Calls takes place over one very eventful night in Morgan’s life. As soon as her father abandons her so that he can go on a date with Brynn, odd things start to happen. Grandma starts to act strangely and, despite writing a reminder on her inner thigh, Morgan keeps forgetting to take her pills upstairs.
As a storm brews outside, Morgan hears a voice from the past, whispering to her. Pictures in the house start to change, as once happy photographs are changed into images of grief and pain. The landline phone rings and, every time that Morgan answers, she hears a voice making threats. A friend drops by, insisting that Morgan try a new drug.
Even worse, a man named Barry (Greg Fallon) shows up at her front door. He says that he works for Morgan’s father and he just wants to come in out of the rain. Barry seems okay, until he smiles what may be the most evil smile ever. Morgan may have a shoebox of cocaine hidden in her closet but that’s not going to be as much help as you might think.
It’s going to be a long, dangerous, and twist-filled night. In the tradition of a ’70s giallo, Close Calls is full of unexpected plot developments. At first, Morgan may seem paranoid but, as the film progresses, it becomes obvious that she has good reason for that paranoia.
Close Calls definitely has an Italian horror feel to it. When the camera is stalking through the house, I was reminded of two Lamberto Bava films, A Blade in the Dark and Delirium (the house’s swimming pool even reminded me of where so much of the action in the latter movie took place.) A few of the more surreal scenes were tinted and lit in a way that reminded me of the scenes of Jessica Harper exploring the dance school in Suspiria.
For that matter, the film’s final scenes reminded me of something from Lucio Fulci’s Beyond trilogy. Much like those films, Close Call frequently feels as if it’s a filmed nightmare. The atmosphere is dream-like and frequently surreal. In the tradition of the best of Italian horror, the story is sometimes less important than the way it’s told. Director Richard Stringham deserves a lot of credit for including a drug trip sequence that actually feels authentic.
Rocky Gray’s score is also of note. It’s a throwback to the wonderfully creepy and ominous horror music of the 70s and 80s. Goblin would be proud.
For a film like this to work, you have to a sympathetic lead and Jordan Phipps gives a wonderfully empathetic performance as Morgan, making her a sympathetic character even when she’s snorting cocaine and talking about how much she hates having to take care of her grandmother. Phipps commits the role, giving an intense and believable performance.
Janis Duley also does well as grandma, constantly making you wonder whether she’s just a senile old lady or if there’s something more sinister about her quirks. Finally, Greg Fallon is appropriately sinister as Barry, keeping us off-balance as to what his true intentions are. Close Calls is definitely for horror fans who like a film that keeps you guessing. If you get a chance to see it, take that chance.
Lisa Marie Bowman, guest reviewer via Through the Shattered Lens
Other reviews:
“In Close Calls, Richard Stringham has crafted a clever, unique motion picture that goes well beyond merely being a valentine to its influences. The film offers some humour to occasionally lighten up the suspenseful proceedings, and Stringham proves himself as a talent to watch with this striking celluloid calling card.” Scream magazine
“Close Calls is an all-out awesome Gothic/suburban horror ghost story filled with quirky and outrageous characters, unforeseen plot twists, and a deadly mystery at its center. The story moves like a shark, and I had no idea where it was headed or what would happen next, but I had a blast watching Morgan’s nightmarish journey.” Morbidly Beautiful
“The biggest problem with Close Calls is that it’s simply too long, clocking in at over 2 hours the story becomes quite bloated and grinds to a halt midway […] There is an identity crisis here as were not quite sure what the film is trying to be.” Bloody Flicks
“Fans of the Giallo subgenre or psychological thrillers would be keen to give this one a chance. With its impactful colors and visual style, excellent score, and superb performance from Jordan Phipps, Close Calls is one wild psychological trip.” The Movie Sleuth
“The retro feel is awesome, but it’s mixed in with new – the perfect balance of both. It made the journey throughout the film interesting as sometimes I felt like I watching an Italian 80’s horror film with an extra campy feel while other times it reminded me of Scream.” Pop Horror
Main cast and characters:
Jordan Phipps … Morgan MacKenzie – Bigfoot’s Bride; Lakeside Massacre; Safe Place; Bury the Hatchet; 10/31
Greg Fallon … Barry Cone – The Boo; Bury the Hatchet; 10/31
Carmen Patterson … Brynn Collins – The Boo; It Knows; Bury the Hatchet; Unwoken (short)
Kristof Waltermire … David MacKenzie – Lakeside Massacre
Janis Duley … Gramma – The Perfect Host: A Southern Gothic Tale; The Phone in the Attic
Star McCann … Diana MacKenzie – 10/31; Ladies Night (short)
Landen Matt … Robbie Layne
Alix Lindbergh … Alixandra – Massacre at Bluff’s Ridge; Bury the Hatchet; Mark of Death; Evil Deeds: Full Circle; Urban Legend; The Legend of Dark Wolf Manor: Web Series
Joseph Melero … The Caller (voice)
Filming locations:
North Little Rock, Arkansas
