Review of The Calling (2014) by Roxanne R — 25 Sep 2014

I could not pass up the chance to see Susan Sarandon as Detective Hazel Micallef in a sleepy town that for years went murder free until one day. Hazel is an alcoholic addicted to pain meds who lives with her mother Emily (Ellen Burstyn).

When she discovers a body during a routine social visit, a chain reaction is set where in the first 14 minutes I figured out who is the "killer" and at the 50 minute mark why they were taking place.

My only remaining question was how were the victims found and the script skillfully discloses it later on. This is a film that flows perfectly, and answers the questions at the right moment. I even figured out the reason why new officer Ben Wingate (Topher Grace), was recently transferred from Toronto to the town of Port Dundas, perhaps a wild guess but my hunch was right.

I am getting good at this lol. Also this is one of the few instances where I am not afraid of a "serial killer", on the contrary, some may call him a Good Samaritan. I cannot reveal any more.

It is a bit depressing to watch due to the area and of course the crimes but also the lives these people lead but you will be rewarded with an interesting story about religious mysteries. I agree with Los Angeles Times reviewer Gary Goldstein who praised the film, calling it "an absorbing, solidly crafted procedural thriller" and noting positively on Stone's directing, Abramovitch's writing, and Sarandon's performance.

Recommended!