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The Call

Name: The Call
Director: Brad Anderson
Released: 2013
Duration: 96 min

Representation Score

5.6/10

Fair

2013

Director

Brad Anderson

Runtime

96 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film stands out by placing a Black woman in a powerful professional role. Jordan Turner is defined by her competence and decision-making skills rather than her race or gender. However, the narrative remains narrow in its social scope. It does not explore LGBTQ+ identities or offer broader cultural critiques. While the protagonist's psychological struggles add tension, they serve more as a thriller element than a deep look at mental health.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Call have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or explore non-straight relationships. The focus is on the kidnapping crisis and the main character's psychological journey.

How does The Call portray gender?

Good

Jordan Turner is a key figure with professional authority. The story highlights her intelligence and active role, breaking away from typical male-dominated procedural stories.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Call?

Good

The lead character is a Black woman who holds a position of institutional expertise. Her identity is woven into her professional role without resorting to stereotypes.

How does The Call represent religion and culture?

Fair

The story follows a standard Western approach to law and emergency response. It centers on personal justice without critiquing broader systemic issues.

Does The Call include disability representation?

Limited

The film addresses psychological trauma from high-pressure work. However, it uses the 'traumatized professional' cliché rather than delving deeply into mental health issues.

Present on Screen

Features a Black woman in a position of significant professional authority and societal responsibility.
Centers a female protagonist who drives the plot through intelligence and quick decision-making.
Avoids racial stereotypes by integrating the protagonist's identity into her professional expertise.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-straight relationships.
Uses psychological trauma primarily as a thriller cliché rather than a nuanced study of mental health.
Operates within a limited Western framework without exploring broader cultural or systemic perspectives.

Official Synopsis

Jordan Turner is an experienced 911 operator but when she makes an error in judgment and a call ends badly, Jordan is rattled and unsure if she can continue. But when teenager Casey Welson is abducted in the back of a man's car and calls 911, Jordan is the one called upon to use all of her experience, insights and quick thinking to help Casey escape, and not just to save her, but to make sure the man is brought to justice.

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