In this J-horror classic, a simple missed call predicts your own gruesome death
In short: Directed by Takashi Miike, the 2003 film One Missed Call turns the mundane act of receiving a voicemail into a terrifying supernatural death sentence. As victims receive calls from their own numbers foretelling their final moments, a psychology student races to uncover a dark, generational secret behind the curse.
The narrative follows Yumi Nakamura, a student who becomes entangled in a series of inexplicable deaths after her friend Yoko receives a voicemail from her own phone. The message, dated two days into the future, captures Yoko's voice describing her own demise, which culminates in her being thrown from an overpass. As the body count rises, victims are consistently found with red jawbreakers in their mouths, a detail that links the curse to a tragic history involving two sisters, Mimiko and Nanako Mizunuma.
The investigation leads Yumi and detective Hiroshi Yamashita to uncover a history of abuse. While initially suspecting that the girls' mother, Marie, suffered from Munchausen syndrome by proxy, they later discover that the true tormentor was Mimiko, who abused her sister Nanako. Mimiko died from an asthma attack after being left behind by her mother, and her vengeful spirit continues to haunt the living. The film explores these themes of trauma and cycle-of-abuse, with the curse acting as a manifestation of Mimiko's twisted desire to 'care' for others, much like she once did with her sister.
Upon its release, the film received mixed critical reception. While some critics praised Takashi Miike's visual flair and ability to build dread, others felt it relied too heavily on established J-horror tropes. Despite these critiques, the film spawned a franchise, including two sequels, a television drama, and a 2008 English-language remake. It remains a notable entry in the genre, blending supernatural horror with the psychological weight of past familial abuse, ultimately concluding with a chilling twist that suggests the cycle of violence is far from over.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: One Missed Call (2003 film)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-one-missed-call-2003-film.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
