146 reviews
Turn off the light. Lie down. Close your eyes. And listen to the calls.
A TV series on Apple TV+. It's 9 episodes with conversations between multiple people on the phones, and we had the chance to figure out the stories, just by listening.
This had to be one of the most unique, stressful, and thrilling experiences that I have with a series. Each time, the conversations started out fine and realistic, but then they become more anxious and thrilling. On the screen, there were hypnotic and abstract waves that simulated the conversations. However, I found that just listening and not watching the video created a profound experience where I could imagine what was happening.
My only problem was that once I figured out the story, which was fairly early on, the subsequent episodes became a bit predictable.
Overall, an awesome and thrilling experience. Watching in the dark boosted the thrilling feels. 9/10.
This had to be one of the most unique, stressful, and thrilling experiences that I have with a series. Each time, the conversations started out fine and realistic, but then they become more anxious and thrilling. On the screen, there were hypnotic and abstract waves that simulated the conversations. However, I found that just listening and not watching the video created a profound experience where I could imagine what was happening.
My only problem was that once I figured out the story, which was fairly early on, the subsequent episodes became a bit predictable.
Overall, an awesome and thrilling experience. Watching in the dark boosted the thrilling feels. 9/10.
Pretty decent SciFi presented an interesting way
Knowing nothing about this show, I decided to check out IMDb. I was confused as to why the rating was relatively high when the show was apparently just about a bunch of phone calls. I'm glad I decided to give it a try. Being a sci-fi fan, I binged watched every episode on my iPad.
The visuals are part of the story. You pick up pretty quickly that they are "Visual time streams." I found I could connect and anticipate plot points, not only by listening, but by watching how the visuals change. As the episodes progress, things become ever more interconnected. I believe the show was helped by having several well-known actors participate in it. They make it possible for the viewer to experience the most important thing with science fiction: suspension of disbelief.
Some reviewers have suggested just listening to the show, like an old radio serial. I believe it's much better to listen AND watch the visuals, because they help guide you through the events. For me, it turned out to be a really interesting way to experience something like "black mirror," but in a VERY different way. I think anybody can enjoy the show, but people who like science fiction with a touch of thriller will probably be its core audience.
Since it's not a heavy investment, each episode is only about 15 minutes, watch at least the first two episodes. By then you will know if you want to stick with it or not.
The visuals are part of the story. You pick up pretty quickly that they are "Visual time streams." I found I could connect and anticipate plot points, not only by listening, but by watching how the visuals change. As the episodes progress, things become ever more interconnected. I believe the show was helped by having several well-known actors participate in it. They make it possible for the viewer to experience the most important thing with science fiction: suspension of disbelief.
Some reviewers have suggested just listening to the show, like an old radio serial. I believe it's much better to listen AND watch the visuals, because they help guide you through the events. For me, it turned out to be a really interesting way to experience something like "black mirror," but in a VERY different way. I think anybody can enjoy the show, but people who like science fiction with a touch of thriller will probably be its core audience.
Since it's not a heavy investment, each episode is only about 15 minutes, watch at least the first two episodes. By then you will know if you want to stick with it or not.
- steve-case
- Dec 16, 2021
- Permalink
WORTH A WATCH.
Calls delivers a scary, sinister yet empathic and human story. Through the use of immersive, hypnotic and beautifully sound designed filmmaking. If you like science fiction and immersive storytelling, this is definitely worth a watch, or should I say listen? Anyway, some have said this is just a podcast with fancy background, but I don't think so. This series differs from other podcast-like series by having extraordinary talented actors and actresses.
- andrewchristianjr
- Nov 2, 2021
- Permalink
Fantastic first season
Watched Calls in it's entirety in just one day. I must say it was really enjoyable I had an absolute blast watching this show. So many creepy episodes, it's so amazing how every episode is connected and its all linked. I really hope this gets renewed for a 2nd season genuinely excellent show with such a unique concept.
- shaunmcevoy-98833
- Mar 19, 2021
- Permalink
Wow!
- akshunhiro
- Mar 20, 2021
- Permalink
Something for the haters to read, if they can
I mean no offense, but my only thought reading the negative reviews is the haters may be illiterate or have a disorder that would preclude them from being able to enjoy something through the use of reading, auditory sensory input, imagination, beautiful effective visuals and a captivating sci-fi story. I'm sorry for these individuals, although am nonetheless surprised they managed to write their reviews using actual words they had to type and view on a screen (like those in the show).... That must've been a lot of work for them. Or they used a transcriber.
On a more serious note (not that the preceding wasn't serious), it did NOT cross my thoughts even once that the lack of live action or animated humans would be an issue. The sleek, colorful waves that dance around the screen uniquely combine with the tactical resizing and locations of subtitles to capture the plights told by the overall terrific voice actors obscenely well, and amplifies the part where the viewers' imagination comes in to complete the picture.
Virtually all books I've read are better than their screen adaptations, and this multimedia book of sorts manages to intermingle the literary, audio and visual dimensions painfully well, not unlike its subject matter.
On a more serious note (not that the preceding wasn't serious), it did NOT cross my thoughts even once that the lack of live action or animated humans would be an issue. The sleek, colorful waves that dance around the screen uniquely combine with the tactical resizing and locations of subtitles to capture the plights told by the overall terrific voice actors obscenely well, and amplifies the part where the viewers' imagination comes in to complete the picture.
Virtually all books I've read are better than their screen adaptations, and this multimedia book of sorts manages to intermingle the literary, audio and visual dimensions painfully well, not unlike its subject matter.
- connorhawke
- Dec 10, 2021
- Permalink
Follow the voices...
- xxmisssvxx
- Mar 19, 2021
- Permalink
Scary Screensavers
I like the stories and how you have to use your imagination to visualize what is happening. It's certainly is different and I would recommend LISTENING to these stories from a cell phone using headphones instead. I felt silly watching the first episode in the dark on the big living screen. Kind of reminded me of the intro of the old "The Outer Limits" tv episodes from the early 60s
Kudos to "Calls" for getting people to READ and LISTEN more.
Kudos to "Calls" for getting people to READ and LISTEN more.
- Horror_Flick_Fanatic
- Aug 17, 2021
- Permalink
Acting without actors/actresses
- GabrielGray
- Mar 22, 2021
- Permalink
Captivating & Impressive
I can't get over how good this is! On one side it's so simple because it is just dialogue but the excellent writing and outstanding voice talent elevate it to something else entirely. Each conversation takes hold and pulls you in with impressive mastery. The wavelength and frequency graphics are a nice touch too and add to the whole captivating experience. Please give this a shot for yourself (Especially if you're into the sci-fi/horror genre) and ignore the negative reviews. Yes, it is just audio but it's more than that too.
It's different...
And it's nice. It's a whole new category and it's like watching a podcast/audioplay. The trippy visuals (like those from windows media player) match the conversations.
The content is somewhat predictable.
So in conclusion, just download the audio and listen to the stories. There's actually no need to "watch" a podcast/radio piece/audioplay.
The content is somewhat predictable.
So in conclusion, just download the audio and listen to the stories. There's actually no need to "watch" a podcast/radio piece/audioplay.
- hoboss2806
- Mar 18, 2021
- Permalink
Give it a chance! It's great!
When I heard about the show I was excited. I liked the concept a lot. Unfortunately I did not like the first episode but I'm really happy I kept on watching. I was skeptical and worried I won't get the closure and answers by the end of the season. Luckily I was wrong and I did. I don't want to spoil it for anyone so I'm just going to say it's definitely worth watching and if you're like me and you don't like it at first or you are skeptical, all I can say is give it a chance! There are 9 episodes and each episode is between 12 to 20 minutes so you can really binge watch it in one sitting.
I really enjoyed it!! Thumbs up!! 👍
I really enjoyed it!! Thumbs up!! 👍
- Just-A-Girl-14
- Apr 4, 2021
- Permalink
interesting concept
Calls is an interesting series that explores the phone dialogues between the characters that eventually lead up to a mysterious and disastrous event. The series lets you visualize the dialogue between the characters in each episode. The journey in each episode takes you on a fascinating experience. The graphics throughout the series add a nice visual appeal to the engaging conversations. An impressive and interesting concept that was very unique.
- forthemovies
- Mar 11, 2022
- Permalink
Watched because of the high ratings, but I thought it was awful
- frostagent-78364
- Aug 2, 2024
- Permalink
This was insanely good
- ruipericles-56921
- Mar 20, 2021
- Permalink
This Is Mind Blowing!!!
Wow just wow! Such fresh breeze of air, so unique and so captivating! If you're a fan of Stephen King, good sifi and some chilling horror then you must watch it! Yes there are no pictures, but that just sparks your imagination even more to paint all the colors and to focus on the actual story. I sat down and didn't get up till I finished entire series. Do the same and you'll have goosebumps the entire time, I promise.
- maria-maria-328-520664
- Apr 14, 2021
- Permalink
Now we're talking!
I can't believe this is the first good thing to come out of Apple TV+ this year. The thrill, the suspense, the emotion, the menace, the quick turns, the graphics. It was absolutely amazing!
- henrycoles9
- Mar 18, 2021
- Permalink
Very good
This was much better than I thought it would be. I get it's not for everyone but some of the reviews are just childish. Maybe stick to Marvel or Anime next time.
Somewhat interesting.......BUT!
- deacon_blues-88632
- Mar 19, 2021
- Permalink
If you're not WATCHING as well as LISTENING, you're missing out.
Just want to let everyone know, if you think the visuals are just random screensavers or visualizations, you're missing out.
I won't say much more except to say, the visuals are half of what makes this show incredible.
I won't say much more except to say, the visuals are half of what makes this show incredible.
- hartmanpeterpaul
- Jun 4, 2022
- Permalink
Feels like it's on the wrong service
Plot: meh.
Script: decent at first, silly later.
Voice acting: brilliant.
Visual effects: brilliant.
Sound effects: incredible.
Overall: a major streaming service felt like the wrong place for this.
While it's crafted well enough for what it is, it really feels more like an experiment one would expect from a clever film school student, or something you'd find on Vimeo that gets a lot of likes and attention at best.
This is the first time I thought to myself: "oh Apple, is everything alright, honey? Do you need some money, sweety?"
Overall: a major streaming service felt like the wrong place for this.
While it's crafted well enough for what it is, it really feels more like an experiment one would expect from a clever film school student, or something you'd find on Vimeo that gets a lot of likes and attention at best.
This is the first time I thought to myself: "oh Apple, is everything alright, honey? Do you need some money, sweety?"
- shiraz-black
- Mar 19, 2021
- Permalink
Some good chills
- bogdan-64813
- Mar 18, 2021
- Permalink
Good concept
- baunacholi-86159
- May 24, 2021
- Permalink
Really Apple???
Apple really dug deep into the pockets for this😂. The cinematography will just blow you away. Let's just call a spade a spade, it's a glorified audiobook....
- fcookprorig
- Mar 19, 2021
- Permalink
That was very unique
I totally enjoyed that. I was up one night and couldn't sleep and was looking for something easy to watch. I had hesitated about watching this knowing there would be no real video just something to mostly listen to. But the way that it was done was brilliant! Never seen anything like this before. Didn't need any video your imagination took over for that. And the visual that there was kept you captivated. It was the perfect movie for laying there in the middle of the night unable to sleep. If you love a good scientific supernatural type of movie then you definitely would like this story. Well worth watching! I hope they come out with a season two!
- brenzbrenz
- Oct 3, 2023
- Permalink