There’s a timeless premise for horror movies: young people do something horrible and are punished for it. It’s the conceit of “I Know What You Did Last Summer”, “Soriority Row”, “Carrie” and even my new novel “The Mirror Man.” (How’s that for subtle advertising?)

2020’s “The Call” follows this path as well. New kid in town Chris (Chester Rushing) starts hanging out with attractive Tonya and her cohorts. Years ago, Tonya’s younger sister disappeared and everyone blames local “witch” Edith Cranston. As a result, Tonya and her friends frequently harass the Edith and her husband, played by Tobin Bell of the “Saw” films.

Finally, Edith has enough and kills herself. Her husband then lures the kids back to his house and makes a deal. He will pay them mucho dinero if they can each go to a room and call a number. The call will connect them, he explains, to a phone that was buried with his wife.

It’s not a bad setup, actually. And I’m probably not blowing your mind when I reveal that, when each character makes the call, someone answers.

There are some nice moments very reminiscent of the “Nightmare on Elm Street” films where characters fall into strange dreamscapes that bring back the traumas of their past.

But, I can’t say there’s much unique here. You’ll pass some time, but “The Call” is not must-see moviemaking.

The acting was fine, particularly Bell, though he’s basically playing the same character he played in the Saw films. The actress who played Edith—Lin Shaye—has a great face for casting shadows in the hollows of her cheeks.

The set design was well done for what was obviously a middling budget.

But, you know… kind of meh.

Best line: I’m not afraid of you. But you should be very, very afraid of me.