One Missed Call (2003) Ending Explained
TL;DR:
One Missed Call (2003), a Japanese horror film directed by Takashi Miike, ends with a chilling twist that reveals the cycle of supernatural vengeance remains unbroken. The protagonist, Yumi Nakamura, survives the curse of the deadly phone calls but discovers her friend's phone ringing with the same ominous tone, implying the curse has jumped to new victims. The film concludes with unanswered questions about the origin of the curse and whether it can ever be truly stopped, leaving audiences unsettled by the inevitability of its spread.
Detailed Explanation of the Ending
The climax of One Missed Call sees Yumi confronting the ghost of Mimiko, the vengeful spirit behind the cursed phone calls. Mimiko's backstory is revealed: she was abused by her mother and ultimately murdered, her spirit now seeking revenge by forcing victims to relive her traumatic death. Yumi manages to break the curse momentarily by exposing Mimiko's mother, who is then killed by Mimiko's ghost. However, the film's final scene subverts expectations - Yumi, seemingly safe, hears her friend's phone ring with the same eerie melody, indicating the curse has not been destroyed but has instead found a new host. This twist reinforces the theme of inescapable fate and the viral nature of supernatural vengeance.
Unresolved Questions & Possible Answers
Can the curse ever be truly stopped?
- Possible Answer: The curse may be cyclical, requiring a sacrificial act or a deeper understanding of Mimiko's pain to break it permanently.
- Possible Answer: The curse is self-sustaining, feeding on new victims to continue indefinitely.
Why does the curse transfer to Yumi's friend?
- Possible Answer: The curse operates like a virus, jumping to anyone who becomes aware of it.
- Possible Answer: The ghost of Mimiko is not satisfied and seeks new targets to prolong her revenge.
What was Mimiko's mother's role in perpetuating the curse?
- Possible Answer: Her guilt and hidden crimes kept the curse alive, and her death only paused it temporarily.
- Possible Answer: Her abuse created the curse, but its power now exists independently of her.
Themes & Symbolism
The ending underscores themes of unresolved trauma and the cyclical nature of violence. Mimiko's curse is a metaphor for how pain and abuse can reverberate through generations, infecting new victims even after the original perpetrator is gone. The cursed phone calls represent modern anxieties-technology as an inescapable conduit for horror, where even communication tools become weapons. The film critiques how society ignores or forgets victims of abuse, allowing their suffering to morph into something far more destructive.
Personal Opinion on the Ending & Film
One Missed Call is a compelling addition to J-horror, though it doesn't reach the heights of classics like Ringu or Ju-On. The ending is effective in its bleakness, refusing to offer a clean resolution, which amplifies the horror. However, the curse's mechanics feel somewhat vague, leaving too much unexplained. The twist is chilling but predictable for seasoned horror fans. Still, the film excels in atmosphere and tension, with Mimiko's ghost being genuinely unsettling. The social commentary on abuse and neglect adds depth, making it more than just a standard ghost story.
Final Thoughts
The ambiguous ending of One Missed Call ensures its place as a memorable, if flawed, horror film. By leaving the curse active, Miike forces viewers to sit with the discomfort of an unsolvable evil-one that lingers long after the credits roll. While not perfect, the movie's exploration of trauma and its refusal to provide easy answers make it a thought-provoking watch. The real horror isn't just the supernatural element but the idea that some wounds never heal, and some cycles can never be broken.