The Call Back: Synopsis
The Call Back is a psychological horror short about obsession, control, and the dark cost of ambition, told through the lens of ballet.
The film follows Natasha, a young ballerina desperate for validation, who finds herself caught in the dangerous grip of a man claiming to be Rudolf Nureyev. What begins as a prestigious audition spirals into a nightmare of manipulation, violence, and identity loss.
This isn’t just a story about dance — it’s about the brutal sacrifices artists make in pursuit of perfection, and the predators who exploit that hunger.
Visually, the film is stark and cinematic — we’re contrasting the pristine, sterile world of ballet studios with the suffocating intimacy of Natasha’s psychological unraveling. Mirrors, harsh lighting, and the ethereal glow of costumes will serve as visual metaphors for identity and control. The dance sequences will be beautiful but unsettling, pushing the boundary between elegance and horror.
As a student filmmaker, I’m pushing myself to tell a story that’s both visually striking and thematically bold. With your support, I can secure the proper equipment, costumes, rehearsal space, and production design to fully realize this world; so it feels as authentic and haunting as the story demands.
At its heart, The Call Back asks: how much of ourselves are we willing to sacrifice for greatness? And when does that devotion cross into destruction?
I’m deeply passionate about this film because it reflects not only the pressures within the dance world, but also the universal struggle of any young artist; to be seen, to be chosen, and the dangers of surrendering everything for that validation.
Your contribution will help us bring this ambitious, chilling vision to life and create a short that resonates far beyond the walls of the rehearsal studio.
