FILM REVIEW: Black Phone 2 (2025)

Black Phone 2 - New Release Review

Director: Scott Derrickson

Starring: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Miguel Mora, Demián Bichir

Written by: Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill

Produced by: Jason Blum, C. Robert Cargill, Scott Derrickson

Cinematography by: Pär M. Ekberg

Original Score by: Atticus Derrickson

Synopsis:

As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, his sister begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake.

Thoughts:

Ever since The Grabber first graced the big screen back in 2021 there seems to be a push to paint him as the next big horror icon. There have been t-shirts, Funko Pops and lately their image has graced the front of cans of Strawberry Fanta in the run up to Halloween. Not bad for a child killer. As threatening as he was in the first film, thanks to Ethan Hawke's menacing performance behind an impressive yet creepy mask designed by Tom Savini and his creative partner Jason Baker, there are still questions over whether or not the character is worthy of this iconic status. Now back from beyond the grave in this sequel, maybe he will prove doubters wrong. 

Set four years after the events of the original film, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) dreams are haunted by visions of three boys who were brutally murdered at a winter camp. Alongside her brother Finney (Mason Thames) and their friend Ernesto (Miguel Mora) they travel to the camp to get to the bottom of the mystery but in doing so they encounter a dark figure from their past, The Grabber (played by Ethan Hawke). 

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The first thing that strikes you about 'Black Phone 2' is in how it both adheres to and deviates from standard practices of horror sequels. It escalates almost every aspect of the film but it takes on board the lessons from lesser sequels within the genre by maintaining the maturity of the drama, which kept the original film so grounded. In this film Finney is coping with his survival from the events of the first film by allowing his fear to manifest into anger. Returning to the role, Thames brings a weary quality to his character that works very well and exhibits some subtlety to his performance. This time though the lead is his sister Gwen who is trying to make sense of her psychic powers (in a play on the puberty metaphor used often within the genre). McGraw's performance in the original was a highlight but here she really comes into her own with a very physical and emotionally charged performance that is the heart of the film. 

It is refreshing how the film takes its time in reintroducing these characters instead of just thrusting them straight into reliving the horrors from four years previous. We see the burden they carry from it and how a failure to acknowledge it is stunting their growth (particularly Finney). It all works towards the presentation of the central theme of closure which Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill realises well in the script. As good as their thematic approach to the writing is, it is let down by some of the dialogue which at times feels forced (especially in the scenes where they confront The Grabber). It creates a disconnect from any of the tension that had been previously built up. 

In bringing back The Grabber, the film draws a lot of inspiration from 'A Nightmare On Elm Street' (particularly the third entry, Dream Warriors) as he returns through the dreams and visions of Gwen and Finney. Returning to the role, Hawke plays it with more menace and brutality than before as there is nothing left to lose for the infamous child killer who is hell bent on revenge. Derrickson does a brilliant job at building up the character for the sequel as we barely catch glimpses of him before he returns, making him feel as threatening as ever before he makes his first appearance. 

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One of the best aspects of the film is how director Scott Derrickson shoots the dream/vision sequences. His use of 16MM footage (which he has done to great effect in the past) works incredibly well at delivering an unsettling quality to the film. The lofi look of these moments makes it feel like the audience is watching some kind of demented home movie. It also makes the death scenes in these moments all the more disturbing as it evokes a feeling of danger, making us feel like we are watching something we shouldn't be. The manner in which the violence and gore are shot and edited only further enhances this aspect of the film. The chilling setting works to great effect too as it reflects the feeling of emotional isolation for these characters (which is complimented by the atmospheric score from Atticus Derrickson that veers from unnerving to heartfelt). 

'Black Phone 2' is a much more meaner and nastier film than its predecessor but it is also a more thoughtful one that carries a greater emotional resonance through the arcs of the main characters. Despite some issues with the script, Derrickson delivers something fresh. It may draw influences from other greats within the genre but in not playing things safe he delivers a satisfying sequel that is worthy of the original. It may not make The Grabber a horror icon but it certainly is a move in the right direction. 

Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½

-Joseph McElroy

'Black Phone 2' is released in Irish/UK cinemas on October 17th