One Missed Call is a Japanese horror franchise that began with the 2003 film directed by Takashi Miike. It later expanded with sequels, a television series, and even a 2008 American remake. The series is known for its chilling blend of supernatural horror and modern technology, particularly centered around mobile phones.
The Original Film (2003)
The story begins with a terrifying phenomenon: victims receive a phone call from their own number, dated three days in the future. When they answer, they hear their own voice in the moments leading up to their death. Three days later, the prophecy in the voicemail gruesomely comes true.
Yumi Nakamura, a university student, becomes entangled in the sinister events when her friends die after receiving the eerie calls. She teams up with Hiroshi Yamashita, who also lost his sister to the curse, to uncover the origin of these deadly calls. Together, they unravel a tragic and malevolent backstory involving family abuse and unresolved trauma.
The film is both a commentary on urban isolation and the misuse of technology, wrapped in a haunting supernatural narrative. Its iconic ringtone and creatively staged deaths have become hallmarks of the franchise.
Sequels and Television Series
- One Missed Call 2 (2005)
The curse continues to spread, targeting new victims as journalist Takako Nozoe investigates its origins. This installment delves deeper into the supernatural forces at play, expanding the lore while introducing fresh horror elements. - One Missed Call: Final (2006)
The final chapter in the original trilogy shifts the curse to a school setting. A group of students receives chain messages threatening their lives, forcing them to solve the mystery while trapped in a deadly game. The film explores themes of bullying and the pressures of social media. - One Missed Call (TV Series, 2005)
The television adaptation expands the story with new characters and confrontations with the cursed calls. The series builds upon the mythos of the curse, adding unexpected twists and turns.
American Remake (2008)
The Hollywood remake of the first film, directed by Eric Valette, received a lukewarm response. While the core plot remained intact, critics and audiences felt it lacked the tension and cultural depth of the original. The remake simplified the narrative, focusing more on jump scares than psychological horror.
Themes and Legacy
One Missed Call is more than just a horror series; it serves as a critique of society’s obsession with technology and the isolation it can create. The eerie ringtone and the concept of death foretold through voicemails captivated horror fans worldwide.
Though the sequels and remake garnered mixed reactions, the original film remains a classic of the genre, celebrated for its innovative storytelling and eerie atmosphere. The franchise is a haunting reminder that technology, meant to connect us, can sometimes foretell doom instead.