Calls is a 2021 mystery thriller analog animated streaming television miniseries created by Fede Álvarez. The show is based on a French television series of the same name created by Timothée Hochet. The series is a co-production between Apple TV+ and French network Canal+, the latter being the production company behind the original French version. It premiered on March 19, 2021, on Apple TV+.
Premise
Told through a series of interconnected phone conversations, these conversations chronicle the mysterious story of a group of strangers whose lives are thrown into disarray in the lead-up to an apocalyptic event.
Calls allows "audiences to experience short stories through real-life audio sources and minimal visuals."
Cast
Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Mark
Aubrey Plaza as Dr. Rachel Wheating
Ben Schwartz as Andy
Clancy Brown as General Wilson
Danny Huston as Frank
Danny Pudi as Dr. Burman
Edi Patterson as Darlene
Gilbert Owuor as Craig
Jaeden Martell as Justin
Jenica Bergere as Mom
Jennifer Tilly as Mother
Joey King as Skylar
Johnny Sneed as Perry
Judy Greer as Alexis
Karen Gillan as Sara
Laura Harrier as Layla
Lily Collins as Camila
Mark Duplass as Patrick
Nick Jonas as Sam
Nicholas Braun as Tim
Paola Nuñez as Ana
Paul Walter Hauser as Floyd
Pedro Pascal as Pedro
Riley Keough as Rose
Rosario Dawson as Katherine
Stephen Lang as Dr. Wheating
Production
On June 21, 2018, it was reported that Apple had given the production a series order for a first season consisting of ten episodes. The series, an English-language adaptation of original French series Calls, was created by original series creator Timothée Hochet. The show is a co-production between Apple TV+ and French network Canal+. Alongside Apple's series order announcement, it was confirmed that Apple had acquired the rights to the existing season of the original French series.
Episodes
Reception
The review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes reports that 95% of 20 reviews are positive for the series, with an average rating of 8.4/10. The critics consensus states, "Recalling the immersive serials of radio's heyday, Calls weaves a spooky mystery with terrific vocal performances and unsettling ambience — letting the visual storytelling play out in viewers' horrified imaginations."