Reviewed by: Dare Devil Kid (DDK)Rating: 4.7/5 stars"The Phone Call" is set at a crisis hotline center. Heather (Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins, ) begins her shift by receiving a phone call from an an obviously distressed man named Stan (Oscar winner Jim Broadbent) who has taken an overdose of antidepressants. She spends most of the film trying to connect with the guy and determine where he is so that she can send help. Ultimately, it has an depressing yet uplifting end, and clearly isn't a film for everyone.While "The Phone Call" is definitely not a feel-good film, it has some excellent acting by Sally Hawkins ("Blue Jasmine", "Paddington") - her ability to emote and make the most of scenes where she is essentially acting alone are terrific. You never see Jim Broadbent ("Isis") in the film, but his voice is quite recognizable, as he has a ton of terrific films to his credit. His voice alone is more than enough to convey the entire gamut of emotions that a suicidal man with nothing more to live for might experience as he's about to take that final drastic step.When Heather tells Stan it's better to talk things out, he says it's too late for that, ominously adding, "It's already done." She asks if he's taken any pills; he admits he's consumed "more than enough" antidepressants. The camera cuts to his home, signaled by the live sound of the caller's voice. The camera closes in on the mantel, followed by a ticking clock.Watching and listening to Hawkins and Broadbent's 20 minute exchange is almost unbearably painful – and as good as acting gets. Achingly sad yet ultimately hopeful, "The Phone Call" is a showcase for both actors at their most affecting - ultimately being a touching story about a love that endured and a love that has potential.

'THE PHONE CALL': Four Stars (Out of Five)A 20 minute British short film; which was nominated for an Academy Award, for Best Live Action Short Film, at the upcoming 87th Academy Awards. It stars Sally Hawkins as the dedicated employee of a crisis hotline center, who receives a disturbing phone call from a suicidal caller. She desperately tries to save him. It was directed by Mat Kirkby and written by Kirkby and James Lucas. The short costars Edward Hogg and the voice of Jim Broadbent. I found it to be short (of course) but still effectively moving.Hawkins plays Heather; a rather shy woman, who works as a helpline call center counselor. One day she receives a distressing call; from a man (Broadbent) who sounds extremely depressed. The caller also (eventually) tells her he's swallowed a large amount of pills. Heather tries her hardest to find out who he is, and where he's at, in order to save him.The film is pretty depressing, and not for everyone, but I also found it to be really inspiring; it definitely takes the viewer through a lot of different emotions. It's also surprising how effectively suspenseful it is; I wasn't quite sure how it would turn out. Kirkby co-wrote a pretty insightful and moving script, and he does an even more impressive job bringing it to life. What's most impressive about the short is Hawkin's performance though; too bad they don't give out Oscars for acting in short films!Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://youtu.be/WFFIYhYu22M

"The Phone Call" is set at a crisis hotline center. Heather begins her shift by receiving a phone call from a man who is depressed and has taken an overdose of antidepressants. She spends most of the film trying to connect with the guy and determine where he is so that she can send help. Ultimately, it has a super-depressing ending and is not a film most folks would enjoy. While the film is definitely NOT a feel-good film, it has some excellent acting by Sally Hawkins as Heather--and her ability to emote and make the most of scenes where she is essentially acting alone are terrific. Plus, it's interesting to note that the very talented actor, Jim Broadbent, plays the suicidal man. You never see him in the film, but his voice is quite recognizable, as he has a ton of terrific films to his credit.UPDATE: I was a bit surprised by this, but "The Phone Call" won the Oscar. Congratulations.

This incredible film just stays with you. I found myself thinking about the story, the characters for weeks after seeing it. For a film to stay in ones thoughts for as long as The Phone Call did is remarkable in today's era of throw away entertainment, but the fact that this was achieved in a short film format is utterly astounding. Heartfelt acting, a smart script, beautiful simplicity in the cinematography all come together perfectly. Only using Jim Broadbents voice and not showing him on screen was a masterful and audacious stroke. I hope the guys who made this have more that in store, the world could certainly use it....