Though it is rated quite low in imdb, still I consider When a Stranger Calls as one of my favourite thrillers. This movie is a tight package of thrill and suspense directed by Simon West. However, this is a remake of a 1979 Fred Walton thriller with the same title.

When a Stranger Calls starts with Jill Johnson (Camilla Belle), a typical US teen who decides to do the job of a baby-sitter for the Mandrakis. As soon as the Mandrakis leave their house with the 2 children sleeping inside the upstairs bedroom, Jill begins to receive strange phone calls from unknown numbers. Initially she considers it a prank played by her boyfriend, but it is not. The stranger calls her and asks her to check the children. Jill goes to the upstairs bedroom and finds the children sleeping comfortably. The stranger (Tommy Flanagan) calls again and tells Jill that she has been watched. Jill gets freaked out and calls 911. The police quickly trace the call; and to everyone’s surprise the call has been made from inside the house. The stranger is in the house. Soon the night of a simple babysitting turns into a night of survival.

In spite of having a very predictable storyline, When a Stranger Calls still makes it as a good thriller. It keeps you anticipating about the stranger till the end. This movie is pretty under-rated and has gone unnoticed most of the time. Camilla Bella is quite impressive in her role as terrified teenager alone in the house. Smart editing along with appropriate background score add more thrill to this movie. There is absolutely no gore or unnecessary violence; it is a perfect thriller made in the old school style. If you are looking a pure thriller, then When a Stranger Calls is perfect for you.

Watch the trailer of When a Stranger Calls

My Rating – 7/10
Learn more about the movie on IMDB.

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