The Caller
The Caller Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: The Caller
| Movie | The Caller |
| Release Year | 1987 |
| Director | Arthur Allan Seidelman |
| Genre | Mystery / Science Fiction / Thriller / Horror |
| Runtime | 97 minutes (1h 37m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Caller (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Caller are led by Malcolm McDowell .
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Caller does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Mystery films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Caller has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Mystery fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Caller
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1987, The Caller is a Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller, Horror film directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman, written by Michael Sloan. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Malcolm McDowell as The Caller.
Ending Explained: The Caller
The Caller Ending Explained: One night, an unusual stranger in need asks a woman living alone in a house in the woods if he can use her phone. Directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman, this 1987 mystery film stars Malcolm McDowell (The Caller), alongside Madolyn Smith Osborne as The Girl (as Madolyn Smith). With a 6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of The Caller?
One night, an unusual stranger in need asks a woman living alone in a house in the woods if he can use her phone. It soon becomes clear that they're playing a strange mind game and that there's something very wrong about the woods.
Arthur Allan Seidelman's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Malcolm McDowell (The Caller)'s journey. It soon becomes clear that they're playing a strange mind game and that there's something very wrong about the woods.
How Does Malcolm McDowell (The Caller)'s Story End?
- Malcolm McDowell: Malcolm McDowell's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Madolyn Smith Osborne (The Girl (as Madolyn Smith)): Madolyn Smith Osborne's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
What Does the Ending of The Caller Mean?
The Caller's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Malcolm McDowell may feel rushed. Arthur Allan Seidelman's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
The Caller Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Caller Based on a True Story?
No, The Caller is a work of fiction. While the mystery, science fiction, thriller, horror film directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman and starring Malcolm McDowell may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Caller?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Mystery films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Malcolm McDowell or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Where to Watch The Caller Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
Philo🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreThe Caller Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about The Caller age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Caller (1987) is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman, the film runs for 97 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Caller is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Caller worth watching?
The Caller is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Caller parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Caller identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Caller (1987)?
The runtime of The Caller (1987) is 97 minutes (approximately 1h 37m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
