Black Phone 2 Review
Oftentimes, horror movies can embrace two different paths: having a one-off conclusion or leaving room to explore something new. With 2018’s The Black Phone, Scott Derrickson’s adaptation of Joe Hill’s original story felt like it was one-and-done. Watching a rebellious kid fighting against a dangerous predator with the help of his victims was a closed book. So, when Black Phone 2 was announced, I held some reservations. However, after taking some time to digest Derrickson’s somewhat ambitious undertaking, I can say most of its elements work to its benefit.
Black Phone 2 picks up a few years after Finney’s (Mason Thames) battle with the Grabber (Ethan Hawke). When Finney’s sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), begins experiencing nightmares that connect their family’s history to a Christian camp, the two siblings seek to uncover truths that will change their perspectives. With the help of Robin’s brother, Ernesto (Miguel Mora), and the camp’s caretaker, Armando (Demián Bichir), Finney and Gwen must solve this case before darker forces tear them apart.
The thing that really carries Black Phone 2 is the strong performances that come from McGraw and Thames. Here, both of them really get into their element, with McGraw’s determined drive as Gwen taking the spotlight. In fact, Gwen is at the forefront of this film and McGraw puts an incredible amount of energy in accentuating Gwen’s more rebellious attitude.
Meanwhile, Finney takes more of a back seat, though the repercussions of The Black Phone still affect him. He takes on a much more stoic personality, resorting to smoking to put his PTSD at ease, though in actuality, he doesn’t know how to properly channel his emotions. It’s something that continually resonates with Finney as he tries to somewhat push himself away from everyone, including Gwen, which Thames embodies to a tee. Still, it’s good to see that he’s still caring to everyone even when he doesn’t fully show it.
Aside from the main stars, each of Black Phone 2’s side characters have something unique to carry. This especially goes for Armando, who becomes much more understanding of Finney and Gwen’s situation as they lay it out for him and shares some handy, middle-aged wisdom of his own. His niece, Mustang (Arianna Rivas) is a trusty sidekick while the two other occupants, Kenneth (Graham Abbey) and Barbara (Maev Beaty), are there to mostly provide their own off-handed religious jokes (and go back and forth with Gwen.)
The Grabber, this time around, takes on a Freddy Krueger-like role a la Dream Warriors, where Gwen is much more connected to the “spirit world” through her visions. The film has this unique visual twist, thanks to cinematographer Pär M. Ekberg, where this film grain filter covers the entire screen whenever Gwen’s in this dream. It makes you feel like Gwen’s rewinding and going through the motions in this eerily haunting state as the Grabber continually taunts the two siblings.
However, the most insane thing about the Grabber’s spirit coming back comes through all of the action. What you can expect from the Grabber are some heavy stunt-based sequences, particularly all done with the killer donning some ice skates and going to town with it. These action scenes continue to be captivating even if the narrative circumstances are somewhat more bizarre this time.
Black Phone 2 is a solid sequel that continues to scare as Derrickson digs deeper into the ethereal. It proves itself to be a worthy story to tell and is carried by great performances from McGraw, Thames, Hawke, and the rest of the cast, harrowing action sequences, and special visual aesthetics.
Black Phone 2 releases in theaters on October 17.
Rating: ★★★★
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.