With Halloween around the corner, it’s time to break out the popcorn and curl up with a movie that’s meant to make your hair stand up on end. But instead of the usual blood and gore dial in to watch Mr Harrigan’s Phone. Released this year, this wonderfully evocative horror story that explores the relationship between Craig, a young teen, played by Jaeden Martell and an eccentric, reclusive old millionaire, Mr Harrigan, played by the brilliant Donald Sutherland. Set in small town America, Craig and Mr Harrigan develop an close bond of friendship, with the elderly gentleman offering advice to the young troubled teen who is being bullied at school. Craig introduces his elderly friend to the wonders of mobile technology, but it comes with consequences. When Mr Harrigan dies, his mobile phone continues to communicate with Craig.
The movie, though slow-paced is rivetingly emotional and wonderfully atmospheric. Directed by Stephen Lee Hancock, it is based on a short story by that master of horrible fiction, Stephen King. It has just enough suspense to keep you on edge, but it is at the end of the day a moving coming-of-age story that will creep you out and warm the cockles of your heart at the same time.
Watch it on Netflix.
Reviewed by Sangeetha Shinde Tee.
