November 8, 2023

**_Atmospheric but ambiguous tale of the birth of the antichrist_**

A newlywed woman on the Isle of Man (Laura Harris) becomes increasingly suspicious when her son reveals coldhearted-ness while her friend and boss (Alice Krige) seems to be taking her place. Then there’s the mysterious taxi driver (Francis Magee). What’s going on?

"The Calling” (2000) is a well-made supernatural thriller with the same plot as the contemporaneous “Bless the … read the rest.

**_Atmospheric but ambiguous tale of the birth of the antichrist_**

A newlywed woman on the Isle of Man (Laura Harris) becomes increasingly suspicious when her son reveals coldhearted-ness while her friend and boss (Alice Krige) seems to be taking her place. Then there’s the mysterious taxi driver (Francis Magee). What’s going on?

"The Calling” (2000) is a well-made supernatural thriller with the same plot as the contemporaneous “Bless the Child,” but is way more low-key. It mixes the set-up of “Rosemary’s Baby” with the spooky tone and muddled storytelling of “Nomads,” along with bits of “The Seventh Sign” and “The Wicker Man.” Unfortunately, it’s the least of these because it’s the least compelling and the last act leaves too many questions, but I was able to figure things out after getting help online.

I usually like challenging films that make you put the pieces of the puzzle together, but I just didn’t find this one absorbing enough, although the locations and mood are great. I’d put it on par with “To the Devil a Daughter.”

Despite its cartoonish CGI, “Bless the Child” is the better film because it’s more thrilling and sensical.

The movie runs 1 hour, 29 minutes, and was shot in Cornwall and London, England.

GRADE: C

show less