The Calling ( 2014 )

The Calling (2014): A Deep Dive into Faith, Fear, and Small-Town Evil

The Calling, released in 2014, is a Canadian crime thriller directed by Jason Stone, based on the novel of the same name by Inger Ash Wolfe (a pseudonym for Michael Redhill). While not a blockbuster sensation, the film boasts a strong cast and tackles complex themes of faith, mortality, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic small towns. This article will delve into the plot, characters, thematic elements, critical reception, and lasting impact of The Calling, providing a comprehensive analysis of the film's strengths and weaknesses.

Synopsis

The film centers around Detective Inspector Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon), a hardened and experienced police officer working in the sleepy town of Port Dundas, Ontario. Hazel is not without her own demons; she battles chronic back pain, relies on painkillers, and often finds solace in alcohol. Her life is a stark contrast to the uneventful nature of her job, which primarily involves dealing with petty crimes and minor disturbances.

This tranquility is shattered when a series of bizarre and ritualistic murders begin to plague the town. The victims, all elderly and seemingly unconnected, are discovered with specific organs removed, meticulously and surgically. Hazel, initially skeptical and somewhat jaded, quickly realizes that she is dealing with a highly intelligent and meticulous killer, one who is operating with a chilling purpose. Assigned to the case is a younger, devoutly religious detective, Ben Wingate (Topher Grace), whose faith provides a counterpoint to Hazel's more cynical worldview. Their contrasting perspectives become crucial to the investigation.

As the body count rises, Hazel and Ben follow a twisted trail of clues that lead them to a local church and its enigmatic sacristan, Simon (Christopher Heyerdahl). Simon possesses an unsettling aura and displays a peculiar knowledge of ancient religious texts, raising suspicions about his involvement. The investigation takes a darker turn when Hazel discovers a connection to a long-forgotten religious cult and a series of prophecies foretelling the end of days.

The film gradually unveils the killer's motive, which is rooted in a warped interpretation of religious texts and a desperate attempt to ward off what he believes is an impending apocalypse. The killer, it turns out, is not simply a deranged madman, but a follower of a twisted theology who believes that by removing specific organs from chosen victims, he can prevent the world from ending. The climax of the film involves a confrontation with the killer in a remote location, where Hazel is forced to confront not only the murderer but also her own personal demons and her failing health.

Characters

The strength of The Calling lies in its well-developed characters, each grappling with their own inner struggles and contributing to the overall narrative complexity.

Hazel Micallef (Susan Sarandon): Sarandon delivers a compelling performance as Hazel, portraying a woman who is both tough and vulnerable. Hazel's cynicism is born from years of experience dealing with the darker aspects of humanity, but beneath her hardened exterior lies a deep-seated sense of justice and a desire to protect her community. Her addiction to painkillers and her strained relationship with her father add layers of complexity to her character.

Ben Wingate (Topher Grace): Grace's portrayal of Ben is a welcome contrast to Hazel's jaded outlook. Ben's unwavering faith and optimism serve as a moral compass throughout the film, forcing Hazel to question her own beliefs and motivations. He brings a fresh perspective to the investigation and provides a necessary counterbalance to the darkness surrounding the murders.

Simon (Christopher Heyerdahl): Heyerdahl's performance as Simon is chillingly effective. He imbues the character with an unsettling aura of mystery and menace, making him a constant source of suspicion. Simon's knowledge of religious texts and his cryptic pronouncements add to the film's atmosphere of dread.

Father Price (Donald Sutherland): Sutherland brings a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the role of Father Price. He serves as a confidant and advisor to Hazel, providing her with insights into the religious underpinnings of the case. His presence offers a touch of humanity and hope amidst the darkness.

Thematic Elements

The Calling explores a range of complex themes, including:

• Faith vs. Cynicism: The contrasting worldviews of Hazel and Ben highlight the tension between faith and cynicism. Hazel's skepticism is rooted in her experiences with the darker side of humanity, while Ben's unwavering faith provides him with hope and purpose. The film suggests that both perspectives have their merits and limitations.
• Good vs. Evil: The film delves into the nature of good and evil, exploring the motivations behind the killer's actions and the impact of his violence on the community. It suggests that evil can manifest in unexpected ways, even within seemingly religious contexts.
• Mortality and Fear of Death: The film grapples with themes of mortality and the fear of death. The killer's actions are driven by a desperate attempt to ward off what he believes is an impending apocalypse, highlighting the human desire to control the uncontrollable. Hazel, struggling with her own health issues, is forced to confront her own mortality.
• Small-Town Darkness: The film exposes the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic small towns. The community of Port Dundas is revealed to be harboring secrets and hidden resentments, contributing to the overall atmosphere of unease.
• Redemption: While the film is dark, the character arcs, especially Hazel's, suggest a possibility of redemption. Confronting the evil and working to stop it, even with personal cost, gives a glimmer of hope for personal growth and change.

Critical Reception

The Calling received mixed reviews from critics. While praised for its strong performances, particularly by Susan Sarandon, and its atmospheric cinematography, the film was criticized for its convoluted plot and uneven pacing. Some critics felt that the film failed to fully explore its thematic potential, while others found the religious elements to be heavy-handed.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a rating of 22%, based on 46 reviews, with an average rating of 4.3/10. The site's consensus reads, The Calling squanders a talented cast on a derivative and disappointingly dull thriller. Metacritic, which assigns a weighted average score, gives the film a score of 37 out of 100, based on 15 critics, indicating generally unfavorable reviews.

Despite the mixed critical reception, The Calling has garnered a following among viewers who appreciate its dark atmosphere, strong performances, and exploration of complex themes. The film's ability to create a sense of unease and its willingness to grapple with difficult questions about faith and morality have resonated with some audiences.

Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strong Performances: Susan Sarandon delivers a captivating performance as Hazel Micallef, embodying the character's cynicism, vulnerability, and determination. The supporting cast, including Topher Grace, Christopher Heyerdahl, and Donald Sutherland, also provide memorable performances.
• Atmospheric Cinematography: The film's cinematography effectively captures the bleak and desolate atmosphere of the small town, creating a sense of unease and dread. The use of muted colors and stark landscapes contributes to the overall tone of the film.
• Exploration of Complex Themes: The Calling tackles a range of complex themes, including faith, cynicism, mortality, and the nature of evil. The film's willingness to grapple with these difficult questions sets it apart from more conventional crime thrillers.
• Intriguing Premise: The initial premise of ritualistic murders in a small town is intriguing and draws the viewer in. The mystery surrounding the killer's motives and the connection to religious prophecies adds to the suspense.

Weaknesses:

• Convoluted Plot: The plot of The Calling can be convoluted and difficult to follow at times. The various plot threads and the numerous characters introduced can be confusing, making it challenging to fully grasp the narrative.
• Uneven Pacing: The film's pacing is uneven, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed. This can disrupt the flow of the narrative and make it difficult to maintain a consistent level of engagement.
• Underdeveloped Thematic Elements: While the film explores a range of complex themes, some of these themes feel underdeveloped. The film could have benefited from a more nuanced exploration of the religious elements and the characters' motivations.
• Lack of Originality: Some critics have noted that The Calling borrows elements from other crime thrillers and horror films, lacking a truly original voice. The film's reliance on familiar tropes can make it feel somewhat derivative.

Lasting Impact

While The Calling did not achieve widespread critical acclaim or commercial success, it remains a notable entry in the crime thriller genre. The film's strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and exploration of complex themes have resonated with some audiences, and it continues to be discussed and analyzed by film enthusiasts.

The film's willingness to tackle difficult questions about faith, morality, and the nature of evil sets it apart from more conventional crime thrillers. The Calling invites viewers to contemplate the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives and to confront their own beliefs about the world around them.

Furthermore, the film contributes to a larger cinematic conversation about the portrayal of women in law enforcement. Hazel Micallef is a complex and compelling character who defies stereotypes and offers a realistic portrayal of a female detective struggling with personal demons and professional challenges.

Conclusion

The Calling (2014) is a flawed but ultimately compelling crime thriller that explores complex themes of faith, morality, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic small towns. While the film suffers from a convoluted plot and uneven pacing, its strong performances, atmospheric cinematography, and willingness to grapple with difficult questions make it a worthwhile viewing experience for fans of the genre. Despite its mixed critical reception, The Calling remains a notable entry in the crime thriller landscape, offering a dark and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.