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6.8/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Wrong Number, Miss remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like movies that feel like a breezy afternoon at a black-and-white matinee, sure. It’s light. It’s fluffy. It’s the kind of thing you watch when you don't want to think too hard about the plot holes.
If you need high-stakes drama or modern pacing, skip it. You’ll probably hate how long it takes for characters to just say what they mean. It’s frustratingly polite in a way that feels ancient.
The whole premise is built on a telephone mix-up that wouldn't last five seconds in the age of smartphones. Inge and Rainer keep missing their intended dates because of a sign of recognition that is, quite frankly, absurdly specific.
It reminds me a bit of the comedic timing in The Taming of the Shrew, but way less aggressive. Everyone is just so... confused all the time. It’s almost endearing.
There is a scene in the lobby that goes on for way too long. The silence is supposed to be awkward, but it just feels like the actors are waiting for the director to yell 'cut.' It’s the kind of moment that makes you check your watch.
But then, Magda Schneider does this look-away thing that actually works. It’s a tiny, blink-and-you-miss-it reaction that gives her character way more depth than the script ever intended. She knows it’s a farce.
It is definitely not a perfect film. It feels slightly stitched together, like they ran out of film and just started shooting whatever they had left. But honestly? That gives it a weird, jagged charm. It doesn't try to be profound. It just wants to finish the day's shoot.
If you find yourself missing the simplicity of Fireworks or just want something that doesn't demand your soul, give it a go. Just don't expect to remember the plot by tomorrow morning. ☎️
