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Beyond the Call

Play trailer Beyond the Call R 1996 1h 41m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 80% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
When Pam O'Brien (Sissy Spacek) learns that her high school sweetheart, Russell Gates (David Strathairn), is on death row for murdering a police officer, she cannot believe he is guilty. She goes to talk to him in prison and finds that Russell, tormented by his experiences in Vietnam, has given up hope. Pam's increasing investment in the case causes tension between her and her husband (Arliss Howard), himself a Vietnam veteran who has struggled to keep his own emotions in check.

Critics Reviews

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Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice Cuts to the quick with its insights into the babarity of war and the dehumanizing process of capital punishment. Aug 27, 2002 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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K W This was great. I love David Strathairn and Sissy Spacek is always good. I wish I had a marriage like hers in this movie. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/11/24 Full Review Kit V Whilst there is plenty of dimensional storytelling here the way in which the writers show the plight of a Vietnam veteran on death row without cliche or glorification is masterly. Spacek is ever on the ball bringing clarity and sensitivity to a part that only really supports the story yet at the same time is crucial to its telling. Nothing about this film was made to allow us to take sides and at no time did I feel the schmaltzy hand of Hollywood attempting to win our approval or disapproval of the tale. Instead, I found myself witness to a sad drama that was as plainly told as it was subtle. Come to this one as you would a theatre production and you will be in the correct frame of mind to absorb the intention of the drama, hope to find a blockbuster then please try another movie. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/05/23 Full Review Audience Member A kick ass Hallmark film. The production values are a little frustrating, but the script is disciplined and the acting pushes it into new territory. The climax fucking wrenches. God damn it Spacek. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Beyond the Call

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Cast & Crew

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Tony Bill

Director

Sissy Spacek

Pam O'Brien

David Strathairn

Russell Cates

Arliss Howard

Keith O'Brien

Janet Wright

Fran

Lindsay Murrell

Rebecca
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Beyond the Call

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Movie Info

Synopsis When Pam O'Brien (Sissy Spacek) learns that her high school sweetheart, Russell Gates (David Strathairn), is on death row for murdering a police officer, she cannot believe he is guilty. She goes to talk to him in prison and finds that Russell, tormented by his experiences in Vietnam, has given up hope. Pam's increasing investment in the case causes tension between her and her husband (Arliss Howard), himself a Vietnam veteran who has struggled to keep his own emotions in check.
Director
Tony Bill
Producer
Helen Buck Bartlett, Tony Bill
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 26, 2020
Runtime
1h 41m