When a Stranger Comes

Jill Johnson, a teenage babysitter, is tormented by a series of chilling phone calls from a stranger. Unbeknownst to her, the calls are coming from inside the house. The film follows her terrifying night as she tries to protect herself and the children. Years later, the killer escapes from a mental institution and the horror begins anew.

The 1986 remake of 'When a Stranger Calls' received mixed reviews, with some critics praising its suspenseful atmosphere and effective scares, while others found it derivative and less impactful than the original. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating the psychological tension and others deeming it a less innovative entry in the slasher genre.

• Praised for its genuinely suspenseful and chilling phone call sequences.

• Criticized for relying heavily on the original's premise without significant innovation.

• The performances of the lead actors were often highlighted as a strong point.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest a mixed reception, with many appreciating the sustained tension and frightening moments, particularly the iconic opening sequence. However, some viewers felt the plot became less compelling in its latter half and that it didn't quite capture the same impact as the 1979 original.

The infamous opening scene of the babysitter receiving menacing phone calls, which is central to the film's premise, was reportedly inspired by a real-life incident.