In Funmi Adetola’s Unknown Caller, a young man is given an ominous offer. Keon (Emmanuel Trier) works as an intern at a prestigious company. However, every day he goes to work, he experiences an onslaught of racially motivated microaggressions from security officers, co-workers, and even the company president.
Today, Keon has received an extraordinary number of calls from an “Unknown Caller” on his cell phone. Just as he reaches his boiling point due to microaggressions, his final “Unknown Caller” makes him an offer he must refuse.
Unknown Caller is a brisk thriller short about a man who finds himself stuck in an internship that will propel his career…if only he can put up with the subtle racism in the workplace. Ultimately, our protagonist must choose between a drastic opportunity for justice or doing what’s right.
“…his final ‘Unknown Caller’ makes him an offer he must refuse.”
The short centers on lead actor Emmanuel Trier, who, at the start of the film, allows us to witness the brunt of workplace racism and then takes us through his inner battle over doing the right thing. Filmmaker Adetola has a good grasp of creating the necessary thriller vibe. My only complaint is that he needed more money to get some shots and effects right. One that stands out is the sniper scope; you want to see the action from the sniper’s perspective.
Unknown Caller is a tight, tension-filled thriller that delivers a sharp critique of workplace racism while keeping you on edge. Though budget constraints show in places, the film’s pulse-pounding intensity and ethical stakes make it a thought-provoking watch.
"…a tight, tension-filled thriller..."
