The Calling (2022)
A French short film in which a teenage girl at a thermal spa is drawn toward a mysterious sound only she can hear.
The Calling - Movie Information
- Original Title: L'appel
- Release Year: 2022
- Directed by: Joffrey Monteiro-Noël
- Type: Movie
- Runtime: 20m
- Original Language: French
The Calling - Plot
Romane is 15 years old. She suffers from a respiratory disease and begins a treatment at a specialized thermal baths. One night, she hears a strange whistling coming from the surrounding forest. Romane persists in seeking out the origin of the continuous humming that only she can hear. As she nears the source of it, her breathing changes.
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The Calling - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Joffrey Monteiro-Noël
Main Cast
- Cyrille Mairesse
- Olivier Rabourdin
- Léon Durieux
Writers
- Raphael Thet
- Joffrey Monteiro-Noël
Producers
- Cosme Bongrain
- Ditti Bürgin-Brook
The Calling - FAQs
What is The Calling about?
The Calling follows Romane, a 15-year-old girl undergoing treatment for a respiratory illness at a thermal spa. One night she hears a strange, persistent whistling from the nearby forest — a sound no one else can detect. As she moves closer to its source, something shifts in the way she breathes.
What does the mysterious sound mean in The Calling?
The film deliberately leaves the whistling open to interpretation. It could represent a supernatural call, a manifestation of Romane's illness, or an awakening tied to nature. Director Joffrey Monteiro-Noël uses the ambiguous sound to blur the line between the physical and the mystical, inviting viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Why does Romane's breathing change near the forest?
The shift in Romane's breathing as she approaches the source of the sound is the film's most haunting detail. It suggests a deep, almost symbiotic connection between her respiratory condition and whatever force dwells in the forest — whether healing, transformative, or something altogether stranger.
Where can you watch The Calling?
You can check all available streaming and viewing options for The Calling on JustWatch, which lists current platforms by region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so JustWatch is the best place to find up-to-date options for watching the film.
Who directed The Calling (2022)?
The Calling was directed by Joffrey Monteiro-Noël, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Raphael Thet. The film showcases Monteiro-Noël's interest in atmospheric, nature-driven storytelling, weaving a quietly unsettling mood from a deceptively simple premise.
Who are the main actors in The Calling?
The cast features Cyrille Mairesse, Olivier Rabourdin, and Léon Durieux. Olivier Rabourdin is a well-known face in French cinema, bringing experience and gravitas to the project alongside his co-stars in this intimate short film.
What are some films similar to The Calling?
If The Calling's eerie, nature-tinged atmosphere appeals to you, try The Five Devils (2022), A Monster Calls (2016), Adoration (2020), or Before I Wake (2016). Each blends the supernatural with deeply personal emotional journeys, much like this short film does.
How long is The Calling (2022)?
The Calling runs just 20 minutes, making it a short film. Despite its brief runtime, it packs in a complete and atmospheric story — proof that a compelling mood and a well-crafted mystery don't need feature-length time to leave a lasting impression.
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