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Black Phone 2 is a culmination of otherworldly magic that only Blumhouse Productions can conjure up. This sequel to 2021’s The Black Phone is bigger and better in every way possible.
In 1982, Finney (Mason Thames) and Gwen Blake (Madeleine McGraw) are struggling with their traumatic experiences perpetrated by The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) four years prior. Finney is suffering severe PTSD, while Gwen’s clairvoyance has pushed her sanity to the brink. Her dreams lead them to Alphine Lake Camp, where they must face their fears and put The Grabber and his victims to rest, once and for all.
Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) and The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) in ‘Black Phone 2’, directed by Scott Derrickson
The characters and supernatural concepts introduced in the original are superbly expanded here. Just like the original, Black Phone 2 wears its inspirations on its sleeves, this time from ‘80s horror flicks like Nightmare on Elm Street, The Shining, Friday the 13th Part 2, and Halloween II. The ‘80s aesthetic is strong here (especially in the soundtrack), and never to the film’s detriment.
The film never feels like a pale imitation of its inspirations because everything is fleshed out with a strong sense of identity, thanks to a consistent creative vision between both installments of the franchise. This is matched by excellent pacing, bone-rattling sound design, masterfully built tension, and immersive cinematography that makes you feel like you’re part of the terror. The scares and gore have been significantly upped, so be prepared!
The cold, snowy setting complements the characters’ feelings of despair and isolation, and the spine-chilling performances will linger with you long after the credits roll, especially from Thames, McGraw, and Hawke. The film cleverly explores trauma and its effects. How does one let go and move on from trauma when it has become a part of who you are? And how does it manifest in a character like The Grabber?
And speaking of The Grabber, he’s always been unpredictable, but here he’s a straight-up supernatural menace who just wants to show you his sick ice-skating moves! Hawke’s portrayal as The Grabber is more haunting and terrifying than ever before, due to the character’s time on the other side. The Grabber is mentally on thinner ice now, so if you weren’t scared of The Grabber before, now is a good time!
Black Phone 2 delivers everything a horror sequel should be and will go down in history as one of Blumhouse’s best films, cementing The Grabber’s place as a horror icon. 2025 has been an ethereal time for fans of horror, and this is no exception!
‘Black Phone 2’ is in cinemas now
LEAD IMAGE: Finn (Mason Thames) and The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) in ‘Black Phone 2’, directed by Scott Derrickson.
