How a 9-1-1 operator thriller became the most successful film in WWE history
In short: The Call, a 2013 crime thriller starring Halle Berry, transformed from a failed television pilot into a surprise box office hit. Despite mixed critical reviews, the film’s high-concept premise and intense suspense resonated with audiences, eventually becoming the highest-grossing production ever released by WWE Studios, earning over $68 million worldwide.
Screenwriter Richard D'Ovidio originally conceived the story as a television series titled The Hive, inspired by an NPR segment about 9-1-1 dispatchers. He eventually pivoted to a feature film format after realizing that emergency operators could not realistically be the ones constantly kicking in doors or engaging in field action. The production was a collaborative effort, with D'Ovidio incorporating suggestions from lead actors Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin to flesh out the narrative and dialogue.
The film’s production was defined by its lean $13 million budget and a tight 25-day shooting schedule in California. Although producers initially planned to film in Canada to save costs, a late-stage $1.9 million tax credit from the California Film Commission kept the project in Los Angeles. The film relies on old-fashioned suspense techniques, such as crosscutting between the dispatcher and the victim, to build tension while the protagonist navigates the technical limitations of tracking a burner phone.
While critics praised the first hour for its grounded, high-stakes portrayal of emergency dispatching, many reviewers felt the third act shifted into generic, over-the-top territory. Despite this, the film maintained strong audience appeal, evidenced by a 'B+' grade from CinemaScore and a massive resurgence in popularity upon its 2022 arrival on Netflix. Its commercial performance far exceeded expectations, cementing its status as a standout success for WWE Studios, which previously saw its highest returns from films starring professional wrestlers like Kane and John Cena.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Call (2013 film)
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