Hang on before you disconnect—'Black Phone 2' has a haunting message you won't want to miss!
After the spine-tingling triumph of the original 'The Black Phone' back in 2021, a whole lot of viewers were scratching their heads, wondering if a follow-up could possibly measure up. The first movie delivered a tidy, almost flawless horror experience that felt like it could stand on its own as a one-off gem. But director Scott Derrickson wasn't content to let it rest—he chose to push the boundaries and see if lightning could strike twice. And while this continuation might strike some as superfluous, it undeniably delivers a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat ride that's hard to turn away from.
Picking up four years later, we reunite with Finney and his younger sister Gwen, both grappling with the lingering scars of their harrowing childhood kidnappings. Finney, now a teenager at 17, is eager to bury the past and forge ahead, whereas 15-year-old Gwen starts experiencing vivid, unsettling visions of a religious retreat, accompanied by whispers hinting at the return of The Grabber, the film's notorious villain.
But here's where it gets controversial: The Grabber, who met his demise in the original's climax, resurfaces with an otherworldly connection to Gwen and her premonitions. This pivots the narrative from the grounded, realistic terror of the first installment to a more mystical, slasher-flick vibe—a bold creative gamble that refreshes the franchise but risks alienating fans who cherished the initial film's gritty authenticity. For newcomers to horror filmmaking, this shift is like swapping a true crime documentary for a ghost story; it introduces supernatural elements that can feel disorienting, yet it allows for innovative storytelling that keeps things unpredictable.
The change does bend the tale's credibility a tad and might leave some viewers puzzled, but it grants Derrickson the freedom to explore visually and emotionally in new ways. And let me tell you, he nails it—the film's visual design stands out as a major highlight. Not surprisingly, with a whopping $12 million boost in the budget compared to the original, the production values soar. Think of mise-en-scène as the overall arrangement of a scene, including how everything is framed and styled to evoke mood; here, it's masterfully done to heighten the dread.
Gwen's visions, for instance, carry a jarring, documentary-style uneasiness that feels like stumbling upon old home videos from a nightmare. The camera work, innovative lighting techniques, and clever incorporation of Super 8 film add a nostalgic, retro flair that's both charming and chilling, making it one of the sequel's smartest artistic choices. And this is the part most people miss: These elements aren't just eye candy; they deepen the immersion, reminding us how aesthetics in horror can amplify psychological horror, much like how grainy footage in films like 'Blair Witch Project' builds unease.
What truly shines in 'Black Phone 2' is its masterful tension. The deliberate rhythm keeps you perched on the edge of your seat, with each mounting suspense sequence ratcheting up the anxiety. The wintry blizzard setting isolates the characters, mirroring their internal turmoil of terror and solitude in a way that's palpably atmospheric—like being trapped in a snowbound cabin during a power outage, where every creak feels menacing.
Actress Madeleine McGraw, portraying Gwen and just 16 during shooting, gives a tour-de-force performance that's impossible to overlook. Her knack for handling solo emotional outbursts and confrontations, blending vulnerability with fierce resolve, is a standout that feels authentic and age-appropriate, proving that young talent can carry complex roles in horror.
A delightful bonus is the introduction of Ernesto, the younger sibling of Robin from the first film. It's refreshing to see more Latin American representation in mainstream horror, and the casting is spot-on. Miguel Mora reprises his role as Ernesto, and his growth since the original lends a seamless, organic evolution to the character—a small detail that weaves threads of continuity and adds layers to the story without feeling forced.
The audio craftsmanship deserves a shout-out too. From the persistent drone of gusts battering the cabin to muffled reverberations in the chapel and the shrill, heart-stopping toll of the black phone, every sound element cranks up the stakes. Even the quiet interludes pulse with anticipation, proving that horror thrives on subtlety as much as shock, avoiding overreliance on cheap scares.
Yet, where 'Black Phone 2' stumbles is in its narrative core. Reviving The Grabber as a spectral entity feels like an overreach, diluting the stark realism that anchored the original's appeal. While the visuals dazzle, this choice introduces confusion that might frustrate purists. And this is where opinions diverge wildly—some might argue it's a necessary evolution to keep the genre fresh, while others see it as a betrayal of what made the first film special. What if they'd opted for a fresh antagonist linked to Gwen's dreams, or perhaps a child picking up calls on a different mysterious device? The direction impresses, but the screenplay leaves loose ends, such as unclear motives behind Gwen's psychic abilities or The Grabber's bond to them, begging for deeper exploration.
A further letdown is the diminished sense of peril. Once it's evident the protagonists are largely shielded, much of the urgency fades, rendering later scenes less gripping. The entertainment value persists, but toward the finale, it seems stakes are low, eroding the last vestiges of believability. That said, the expert technical execution and heartfelt acting redeem these pitfalls, making it a worthwhile outing.
All in all, for its imperfections, 'Black Phone 2' emerges as a pleasurable, skillfully crafted follow-up that devotees will cherish. It boldly outshines the original in its scenic prowess and immersive ambiance, even if the plot feels a bit overstretched.
As you exit the cinema, you might ponder the same question: Did this sequel really need to happen? And perhaps that's beside the point when the viewing experience is so rewarding. 'Black Phone 2' may not have been essential, but it demonstrates that a convoluted plot can be forgiven if the rest of the package is compelling enough to pick up the line. What do you think—did the supernatural twist elevate the story or ruin the realism? Do you agree that unnecessary sequels can still deliver thrills, or should classics like the first 'Black Phone' be left untouched? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear your take!
