The movie begins with Stu Shepard (played by Colin Farrell), a fast-talking and morally ambiguous publicist, using a phone booth in New York City to call his mistress, Pamela (played by Katie Holmes), without his wife’s knowledge. While talking to Pamela, Stu’s call is interrupted by the ringing of the phone booth. He answers it, only to find himself talking to a mysterious and threatening caller (played by Kiefer Sutherland), who claims to be watching him from a nearby building with a sniper rifle.
The caller reveals that he knows intimate details about Stu’s life and warns him not to hang up the phone or leave the booth, or he will be shot. Initially thinking it’s a prank, Stu tries to leave the booth but is stopped by the sniper, who fires a warning shot that narrowly misses him. Stu realizes the seriousness of the situation and complies with the caller’s demands.
As Stu remains trapped in the phone booth, the caller begins to manipulate and torment him, forcing him to confront his sins and reveal his darkest secrets. The caller also involves other people in Stu’s life, including his wife Kelly (played by Radha Mitchell), his clients, and the police, creating chaos and confusion in the streets below.
Meanwhile, the police, led by Captain Ramey (played by Forest Whitaker), arrive at the scene and try to negotiate with the caller while attempting to uncover his identity and location. As the tension escalates, the media also gets wind of the situation, turning Stu into a reluctant celebrity and further complicating matters.
As the standoff continues, Stu’s life unravels before his eyes, and he is forced to confront his past mistakes and confront his true self. With the help of his wife and the police, Stu tries to outsmart the sniper and gain his freedom, but the caller always seems to be one step ahead.
In a climactic showdown, Stu finally confronts the caller and learns his true identity and motives. Without revealing too much, Stu manages to turn the tables on the caller and take control of the situation, ultimately freeing himself from the phone booth and the sniper’s grip.
“Phone Booth” is praised for its intense atmosphere, tight pacing, and Colin Farrell’s compelling performance. It is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.