What Is One Missed Call About?
The premise of One Missed Call in 306 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a modern city where the hum of everyday life is punctuated by the sudden, unsettling chirp of a phone, a series of inexplicable tragedies begins to ripple through the community. The atmosphere is thick with an almost palpable anxiety, as ordinary technology transforms into a conduit for something far more sinister. Shadows linger in familiar spaces, and the ordinary rhythm of conversations is haunted by an undercurrent of dread that never fully reveals itself, inviting the audience to wonder what could be lurking behind the next missed call.
Beth Raymond is a determined investigator whose curiosity is matched only by her reluctance to accept the supernatural at face value. drawn into the mystery after the sudden loss of two of her friends, she brings a blend of analytical rigor and personal urgency to the case. Her world, once grounded in routine, now feels like a maze of cryptic voicemails and fragmented clues, each echoing a promise of danger that she cannot ignore.
Teaming up with Detective Jack Andrews, a seasoned officer accustomed to the city’s darker corners, the duo forms an uneasy partnership that balances Beth’s methodical approach with Jack’s street‑wise instincts. Their collaboration is as much about confronting their own doubts as it is about deciphering the strange messages that seem to predict the next calamity. Together they navigate a landscape where technology and terror intersect, and every ring of a phone could herald another unexplainable event.
The film unfolds with a slow‑burning tension that blends psychological horror with procedural intrigue. Its tone is deliberately claustrophobic, keeping viewers on edge as the ordinary becomes ominous and the line between warning and threat blurs. As Beth delves deeper, the sense of an inevitable countdown grows, leaving her—and the audience—wondering whether she can outpace the unseen force that ties the mysterious calls to an ever‑looming fate.
What Happens in One Missed Call?
The complete story of One Missed Call, from the first scene to the last, in 699 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Yumi Nakamura, portrayed by Kou Shivasaki, is a charming teenager whose time at university revolves more around her friendships than her studies in psychology. One of the few classes she does attend is dedicated to children’s psychology; however, her attention frequently strays. An unsettling premonition hangs over her, hinting that something sinister is on the horizon.
During a dinner with her friends, they all exchange phone numbers, leading to an eerie turn of events. When Yumi and her friend Yoko Okazaki, brought to life by Anna Nagata, check their phones later, Yoko receives a puzzling missed call. To her horror, the voicemail reveals her own voice uttering, “It’s beginning to rain,” quickly followed by a blood-curdling scream. Strangely, the date on the message is set for tomorrow. Though they dismiss it, tragedy strikes when Yoko inexplicably dies moments after the call. The last things Yumi hears are the chilling words, “It’s beginning to rain,” accompanied by Yoko’s anguished scream.
The following day, Yumi learns of an urban legend among her peers, suggesting that individuals start receiving phone calls detailing the exact date and time of their impending deaths. In a desperate search for answers, she meets Kenji Kawai, played by Atsushi Ida, who has also received one of these ominous calls. Witnessing his death firsthand leaves Yumi in a state of disbelief; he is forcibly pulled into an elevator shaft just as he begins to take her warnings seriously.
As the events unfold, Yumi’s roommate, Natsumi Konishi, enacted by Kazue Fukiishi, also receives a phone call. Meanwhile, Yumi befriends Hiroshi Yamashita, performed by Shin’ichi Tsutsumi, who reveals that his sister, Ritsuko, was the very first victim of these cursed calls. While visiting a hospital, Yumi’s memory triggers when she hears the sound of an asthma pump, reminiscent of the moment Kenji met his demise. This discovery leads them to investigate the asthma victims in the hospital, zeroing in on Marie Mizunuma, portrayed by Mariko Tsutsui, and her children, Mimiko and Nanako. It becomes apparent that Marie suffered from Munchausen Syndrome, a severe mental illness compelling parents to harm their children for attention as caregivers. Driven by the desire to prevent further tragedy, Yumi and her friends embark on a quest to rescue Natsumi from a similar fate.
Their investigation takes an unsettling turn when a paranormal journalist convinces a frightened Natsumi to participate in a live exorcism on television. What begins as a desperate act descends into chaos when an unseen presence is caught crawling along the walls. Natsumi’s final moments are excruciating, her bones cruelly contorted while a voice eerily reassures her, “Don’t worry, we’ll take you to hospital.” She dies with a red sweet on her lips.
Now, Yumi finds herself as the next target of the mysterious calls. The group conjectures that it might be the ghost of Marie, seeking notoriety for her tragic story. When Yumi visits an abandoned hospital, she faces the ghostly presence that torments her with visions of dead fetuses in glass jars. Here, she discovers Marie’s charred remains, gripping a mobile phone. In a desperate struggle for survival, the corpse launches an attack, yet spares Yumi when she expresses remorse for her past mistakes.
Hiroshi delves deeper, uncovering a chilling truth: Marie’s children were not innocent victims. It was Mimiko who tormented Nanako, ensuring silence by offering her sweets after inflicting harm. When Marie learned the truth, she hastened Nanako to the hospital, leaving Mimiko alone to suffer during an asthma attack, which ultimately led to Mimiko’s tragic death. Hiroshi rushes to warn Yumi just as she relaxes in the shower, unaware that time is slipping away, as clocks begin turning backward, marking the moment Mimiko aims to claim Yumi’s life.
In an interpretation of the harrowing conclusion, it seems Mimiko may have succeeded in killing Yumi. Assuming her guise, Mimiko’s ghost assaults Hiroshi, leaving him grievously injured and hospitalized. In her disguise, she plants a kiss on him, sealing an unholy bond with a sweet tucked between his lips, but curiously refrains from ending his life. Such events leave the narrative shrouded in ambiguity, provoking questions about the true nature of guilt and innocence in a tangled web of tragedy.
One Missed Call Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Yumi's University Life” to “Ambiguous Conclusion”. 7 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Yumi's University Life
Yumi Nakamura is a charismatic teenager who prioritizes her friendships over her psychology studies at university. Her focus is often diverted, particularly during her children's psychology class, where an ominous feeling of impending doom lingers in the air.
Where:University
- 2
Dinner with Friends
During a dinner with her friends, Yumi and her circle exchange phone numbers which leads to a chilling turn of events. This innocuous gathering marks the beginning of their terrifying ordeal as the atmosphere shifts ominously.
- 3
The Eerie Voicemail
After the dinner, Yumi and her friend Yoko Okazaki later check their phones. To Yoko's horror, she discovers a voicemail containing her own voice ominously saying, 'It's beginning to rain,' followed by a bloodcurdling scream, and eerily dated for the next day.
When:Tomorrow
- 4
Yoko's Tragic Death
The next day, Yumi is devastated to learn that Yoko has mysteriously died just moments after receiving the unsettling call. The last words that haunt Yumi are those chilling phrases, amplified by the panic caused by Yoko’s anguished scream.
Where:Yoko's location
- 5
Urban Legend Emerges
Yumi uncovers a frightening urban legend among her peers, suggesting victims receive phone calls detailing the specifics of their death. This revelation strikes fear into her heart as she contemplates her own fate amid the unfolding tragedies.
- 6
Meeting Kenji Kawai
In her desperate quest for truth, Yumi meets Kenji Kawai, who shares that he too has received one of these ominous phone calls. Witnessing his shocking death as he is pulled into an elevator shaft leaves Yumi rattled and further entrenched in fear.
Where:Elevator
- 7
Natsumi Receives the Call
Yumi's roommate, Natsumi Konishi, starts to experience the horrors as she receives her own ominous phone call. As tension escalates, Yumi feels an urgent need to track down Natsumi to save her from the impending doom.
- 8
Investigating the Hospital
Yumi and her friends rush to the hospital after experiencing a triggering moment linked to Kenji's death. They focus on Marie Mizunuma, a woman with a troubling past, as they delve deeper to uncover the connections between her and the cursed calls.
Where:Hospital
- 9
Live Exorcism Gone Wrong
Natsumi participates in a live exorcism on television, driven by fear and desperation. What begins as an attempt to cleanse her escalates to horror, as an unseen force wreaks havoc, ultimately leading to Natsumi’s tragic demise.
Where:Television studio
- 10
Confrontation with the Ghost
Yumi's journey leads her to an abandoned hospital where she faces the ghost that haunts her. In a terrifying encounter, she discovers Marie's remains, sparking a frantic struggle for survival as the vengeful spirit attacks.
Where:Abandoned Hospital
Show the other 3 events of One Missed Call Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Uncovering the Truth
Hiroshi uncovers a chilling truth about Marie's children, revealing the dark history that culminated in their misfortunes. He learns that Mimiko, not Nanako, was the tormentor, which shifts the narrative and brings forth new dangers.
- 12
A Race Against Time
Hiroshi races against time to warn Yumi as she unknowingly relaxes in the shower. The clocks begin to turn backward, creating a tense atmosphere as the deadly countdown approaches, threatening her life.
Where:Yumi's location
- 13
Ambiguous Conclusion
The narrative twists as it appears that Mimiko successfully kills Yumi, assuming her form and creating chaos. Hiroshi, gravely injured, is left to contemplate the horrifying events, as the lines between guilt and innocence blur.
Who Are the Main Characters in One Missed Call?
6 characters, among them Yumi Nakamura (Kou Shivasaki), Yoko Okazaki (Anna Nagata) and Kenji Kawai (Atsushi Ida): who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- YN
Yumi Nakamura (Kou Shivasaki)
Yumi is a spirited teenager, balancing her social life with her psychological studies. Her character embodies curiosity and courage, particularly as she confronts the terrifying mystery of the phone calls. Driven by a strong sense of loyalty to her friends, Yumi evolves from a carefree student into a determined protagonist fighting against unseen forces.
- 👧 Young
- 📚 Student
- 🕵️♀️ Investigative
- YO
Yoko Okazaki (Anna Nagata)
Yoko is Yumi's close friend, whose tragic fate catalyzes the film's central conflict. Her character reflects the harrowing reality of the curse as she becomes a victim, highlighting the vulnerability of youth in the face of supernatural horror. Yoko's final moments resonate with sorrow, marking her as a poignant reminder of the film's themes of loss.
- 👩🎓 Friend
- 🔔 Victim
- 💔 Tragic
- KK
Kenji Kawai (Atsushi Ida)
Kenji is introduced as another unfortunate recipient of the ominous calls. His character experiences a transformation from skepticism to dread as he witnesses death firsthand. As a pivotal character connecting Yumi to the broader mystery, he represents the escalating tension and climax of the film's horror narrative.
- 👨 Young Adult
- ⚠️ Skeptic
- 👻 Victim
- NK
Natsumi Konishi (Kazue Fukiishi)
Natsumi serves as Yumi's roommate and becomes ensnared in the sinister events. Her character illustrates the dangers of curiosity and the allure of the supernatural, leading her to partake in a disturbing live exorcism. Natsumi's fate underscores the unpredictability and severity of the supernatural threats confronting the group.
- 👩 Roommate
- 💀 Victim
- 📺 Curious
- HY
Hiroshi Yamashita (Shin'ichi Tsutsumi)
Hiroshi is a determined friend and ally, advocating for truth amidst the terror. His character navigates the intricate relationships while investigating the curse's origins. Hiroshi's insights and experiences bring depth to the unfolding mystery, especially as he uncovers painful family secrets.
- 👨 Friend
- 🔍 Investigator
- 📖 Knowledgeable
- MM
Marie Mizunuma (Mariko Tsutsui)
Marie represents the complex backdrop of the film's tragedy, a mother entangled in the anguish of her children. Her character's psychological struggles manifest through the curse, linking her to the haunting manifestations experienced by Yumi. Marie's story is a tragic commentary on parental neglect and the impact of mental illness.
- 👩👧👦 Mother
- 🧠 Illness
- 💔 Tragic
Where and When Is One Missed Call Set?
One Missed Call is set in Abandoned Hospital, University and Elevator Shaft. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The narrative unfolds in a contemporary setting marked by technological advancements such as mobile phones and urban legends. This modern backdrop enhances the chilling impact of the fatal call phenomenon, mirroring society's growing anxiety toward technology and its unforeseen consequences.
Where
Abandoned Hospital, University, Elevator Shaft
The abandoned hospital serves as a haunting backdrop for Yumi's investigation, where she confronts the supernatural elements tied to the cursed calls. The university represents a place of learning but also a setting for friendships and the emergence of horror. The elevator shaft becomes a pivotal location of a tragic death, reinforcing the film's themes of fate and the unknown.
- 🏥 Abandoned
- 🎓 University
- 🛗 Elevator
What Are the Themes of One Missed Call?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Supernatural Horror, Tragedy and Loss and Investigation.
-
01
Supernatural Horror
The film explores the theme of supernatural horror through the deadly phone calls, representing fears of death and the unknown. Yumi and her friends delve into a web of urban legends that blur the lines between life and death, testing their resilience against fate. Tragedy follows each character, raising questions about the power of belief and the impact of past sins.
-
02
Tragedy and Loss
Tragedy is a central theme, encapsulated by the series of untimely deaths that haunt Yumi and her friends. Each victim's story reveals deeper emotional scars and the consequences of familial neglect, as seen in Marie's struggles. The film delves into the sorrow of losing loved ones and the weight of unresolved guilt that lingers long after.
-
03
Investigation
Yumi's journey is driven by an urgent need for answers, leading to an investigation that intertwines friendship and fear. The quest to uncover the origins of the ominous calls and the ghostly occurrences emphasizes the theme of seeking truth amid chaos. Each discovery peels back layers of mystery, exposing the characters to terrifying revelations.
What Kind of Film Is One Missed Call?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Ambiguous
A fast-paced, deeply unsettling supernatural horror that relentlessly builds anxiety around cursed phone calls and tragic deaths, leading to a bleak and ambiguous confrontation with a vengeful ghost.
- anxious
- unsettling
- oppressive
- ominous
- violent
- bleak
- supernatural horror
- curse investigation
- ghost story
- family tragedy
Content notes: child death, child abuse, graphic violence, mental illness (Munchausen Syndrome).
Quiz
How well do you remember One Missed Call? Test yourself on the story.
