I’m a big fan of Scott Derricksonit is original The black phone as it was one of those great horror films that did a great job mixing supernatural tension with real emotional weight. So when it was announced that a sequel was coming, I was curious but skeptical.
How do you follow a story that already seemed complete? Somehow, Derrickson and his team found a way that worked incredibly well. Black phone 2 is a chilling and surprisingly emotional continuation that doesn’t just rehash the first film, but delves deeper into its world, its characters and its ghosts.
The story picks up four years after thirteen-year-old Finn escaped from the Grabber’s basement. The evil, however, does not remain buried and, as Finn struggles to move forward, his younger sister Gwen begins to have terrifying visions.
The phone rings again and this time it’s her turn to answer. What unfolds is a supernatural mystery that ties the Grabber’s curse to the Blake family’s past in unexpected and disturbing ways. It’s a smart expansion that gives the mythology more depth without feeling like a forced cash grab.
Ethan Hawke returns as the Grabber, once again delivering a disturbing but equally menacing performance. The decision to give Gwen command over Finn may surprise some fans, but I loved it and Madeleine McGraw he completely owns the film.
Her performance is fierce, vulnerable and, at times, heartbreaking. She is Mason Thames (Finn) share a sibling chemistry that emotionally grounds the story, keeping the film from becoming just another blood-soaked sequel.
Speaking of blood, Black phone 2 it doesn’t hold back the horror. There’s plenty of blood for those who crave it, but what really got me were the psychological scares. Derrickson once again blurs the line between dream and reality, collapsing time, memory and fear into a haunted space. The winter setting adds a deep chill to the whole thing, making the film both isolating and beautiful in its own disturbing way.
Visually, this movie is wrong. The cinematography captures a kind of horrible euphoria, something between a nightmare and a snowball. The decision to show The Grabber sparingly, almost like Jaws, was a good one. He keeps the fear alive even when he’s not on screen.
There are some hiccups in the pacing and some awkward moments that don’t quite land, but overall, the tension builds masterfully towards a thrilling and emotional finale.
What I particularly liked about Black Phone 2 is how it still cares about its characters. Beyond fears, it explores themes of trauma, faith and family legacy. The question is whether we are condemned to repeat the pain of those who came before us or whether we can break the cycle.
Derrickson could have easily played it safe, but instead he created something terribly beautiful. The Freddy Krueger-style supernatural twist might divide some fans, but I appreciated that they took risks rather than just reproducing what worked the first time. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s inventive, bold, and extraordinarily disturbing.
Leaving the cinema I felt the same satisfaction I had felt with the first film. Perhaps Black phone I didn’t need a sequel, but I’m glad we got one. It’s a gripping and atmospheric horror film that proves that Derrickson still knows how to make your skin crawl while tugging at your heart.
If you’re looking for something to kick off the spooky season, Black phone 2 it’s definitely worth watching!
by Joey Paur
Source: Geek Tyrant
Lloyd Grunewald is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. He is a talented writer who focuses on bringing the latest entertainment-related news to his readers. With a deep understanding of the entertainment industry and a passion for writing, Lloyd delivers engaging articles that keep his readers informed and entertained.
