"One Missed Call" (2003) is a Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Miike, known for his prolific and diverse contributions to cinema, particularly in the horror genre.
The film is based on the novel "Chakushin Ari" by Yasushi Akimoto and is noted for its chilling atmosphere and inventive take on technological horror. "One Missed Call" blends supernatural elements with contemporary fears surrounding mobile phone technology, delivering a story that intertwines suspense, mystery, and psychological terror.
The plot revolves around a group of friends who begin receiving mysterious voicemails on their cell phones, with each message dated and timed in the future. These voicemails ominously predict the exact time of the recipient's death, with each one featuring the recipient's own voice experiencing their final moments. The protagonist, Yumi Nakamura (Ko Shibasaki), along with her friend Hiroshi Yamashita (Shinichi Tsutsumi), races against time to uncover the origin of these calls and to break the curse. Their investigation leads them to uncover a dark secret tied to a troubled past and a series of tragic events.
"One Missed Call" was well-received in Japan and gained international attention for its effective use of suspense and horror elements. The film's eerie ringtone became iconic, contributing to the overall sense of dread and unease. Critics praised Takashi Miike's direction, particularly his ability to craft an unsettling atmosphere and maintain tension throughout the film. The movie's blend of traditional ghost story motifs with modern technology tapped into contemporary anxieties, making it a standout in the early 2000s horror landscape.
The success of "One Missed Call" led to the creation of several sequels and an American remake in 2008, though the latter did not achieve the same level of critical acclaim. The original film remains a significant entry in the J-horror genre, noted for its innovative approach to horror and its influence on subsequent films that explore the intersection of technology and the supernatural. "One Missed Call" continues to be appreciated by horror enthusiasts for its suspenseful storytelling and its chilling exploration of modern fears.