Why Apple TV+'s 'Calls' is the most original piece of sci-fi storytelling in years

Apple TV+'s new sci-fi series, 'Calls'. Courtesy Apple TV+

With an intriguing set-up and an all-star cast, plenty of Apple TV+ subscribers will be attracted to the streaming service's latest series Calls, based on the French series of the same name. Especially since its longest episode is only 21 minutes.

However, after its first episode, some might struggle to see past the show's utterly unique storytelling approach. That's because, rather than watching Calls unfold, you spend most of your time listening to it instead, as all we see are the sound waves of the phone conversations between the characters, alongside the subtitles of their dialogue.

That means in the first instalment, which is tantalisingly entitled The End, we hear the break-up of a New York nurse (Karen Gillan) and Los Angeles musician (Nicholas Braun). Only for it to be interrupted by a mysterious apocalyptic phenomenon. While there's nothing special about the plot between Braun and Gillan, there's more than enough intrigue from the increasingly spooky supernatural event to make you want to check out its next episode.

This is where Calls really starts to impress. The main thrust of the second ­episode, The Beginning, is Aaron Taylor- Johnson's character struggling to deal with the news that he's about to become a father.

However, as he drives to stay at his friend's house, played by Ben Schwartz, in Tucson, Arizona, the people on the other end of the phone go farther forward in time.

Of course, you can't help but wonder what's causing these otherworldly incidents to occur. But what sets Calls apart from other pieces of science fiction is how it uses its extraordinary stories to explore thought-provoking themes of grief, trauma and mortality in a smart and affecting manner.

It helps that Calls's roster of actors is so incredible. They're able to simplify the inherent complexity of the show, and make it easy to follow, while getting the emotion and drama across quickly and precisely, too.

Calls gets more fascinating and riveting with each additional episode – you'll be pleasantly shocked and surprised at how gripping it becomes. That's particularly true of its third episode, Pedro Across The Street, which is arguably the finest instalment of its first season. Starring Pedro Pascal, it also features the vocal talent of Mark Duplass and Judy Greer, and weaves in bank robbery and blackmail.

The main challengers to Pedro Across The Street are the fifth and sixth episodes, called Me, Myself, And Darlene and The Universe Did It, respectively. Their plots are much more reliant on science fiction. But you're so caught up in the world, and writer-director Fede Alvarez incorporates these elements of the genre in such a seamless and intelligent fashion, that you don't notice.

'Calls' Writer and director, Fede Alvarez. AFP

For the remaining three episodes, Calls starts to answer the most probing questions. This is usually where similar shows start to derail. But Calls more than sticks its landing, as it builds in suspense and drama, while simultaneously expanding the story and world.

All in all, Calls is a sci-fi show with a purpose, which thrives because its abstract visuals and vivid sound design inspire viewers to genuinely picture and imagine what's unfolding.

At a time when a lot of TV monotonously spoon-feeds the same predictable drivel, Calls doesn't simply stand out, it's one of the most original shows in years. And with its entire first season clocking in at only two hours and 35 minutes, you really don't have an excuse to miss it.