The Monitor

The Monitor (original title: Babycall; titled The Monitor under US release) is a 2011 Norwegian thriller film written and directed by Pål Sletaune and starring Noomi Rapace. The original title, Babycall, is the Norwegian/Swedish term for a baby monitor; the film maintained this title upon release in Europe and Australia. The film was released on October 7, 2011 in Norway, and was released direct-to-video in the United States on July 24, 2012. Plot Anna and her son Anders, move into a large flat outside Oslo. Anna fears that her violent ex-husband will find them, as they have been relocated for safety. They receive occasional visits from child care workers Grete and Ole, who warn Anna that her ex-husband may reopen a custody case for Anders. Initially, Anna forces Anders to sleep in her room, but when the case workers discourage this, she buys a babycall (baby monitor) to keep an eye on him. At an electronics store, Anna meets Helge , a shy man whose mother is terminally ill in the hospital. They develop a fragile friendship, sharing their personal struggles. Anna, being an overprotective mother, finds solace in Helge's understanding of her situation, while Helge appreciates Anna's refusal to let go of her son. One night, Anna hears disturbing sounds on the babycall, including screaming. Terrified, she rushes to Anders' room, but he is peacefully asleep. Anna consults Helge, who explains that the monitor can pick up other frequencies nearby. They try to locate the source of the screams on a map drawn by Anders.