Scott Derrickson knows how to craft chilling moments in horror films. With works like “Sinister” and “The Black Phone,” he uses the feel of old Super 8 film to create a haunting atmosphere. His latest movie, “Black Phone 2,” follows this trend, using thick grain in certain scenes that gives actors an eerie, ghost-like quality.
In “Black Phone 2,” chilling visuals stand out, like crimson feathers scattered in the snow around a lost child’s coat and dark blood pooling from a tree stump. These images weave into the dreams of Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), sister to Finney (Mason Thames), who was central to the first film. These dreams hint at dark pasts and future threats.
Despite Finney’s victory over the Grabber (Ethan Hawke) in the original film, the terror returns. The Grabber’s haunting presence threatens both Finney and Gwen, driving the plot of this sequel. Hawke’s return to the role adds depth, especially as he navigates some heavy dialogue—something that only a seasoned actor can pull off.
The charm of these films lies in their nostalgic elements. They take place in 1981, a time when payphones were still common. This setting feels both familiar and distant in today’s smartphone era. It cleverly references the past while maintaining a tense atmosphere that mirrors classic horror movies like “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Gwen’s role feels reminiscent of Patricia Arquette’s character, combining old-school tropes with new challenges.
Supporting characters also enrich the story, including Ernesto (Miguel Mora), who adds layers to Gwen’s journey, and camp supervisor Armando (Demián Bichir), who connects the narrative to eerie earlier events. However, attempts to integrate Latinx culture in dialogue don’t always land as intended. Yet Bichir’s performance helps flesh out the film’s lore.
Critiques of “Black Phone 2” often center on its script. Some lines can feel forced, and the film grapples with religious themes that seem inconsistent. It hints at deeper questions about the morality of organized faith but doesn’t fully explore these ideas when sending the Grabber back to hell.
Director Scott Derrickson balances clever visual storytelling with effective gore. A scene where Gwen encounters spirits of the past is both thrilling and horrifying, showcasing impressive effects. Characters spiral into fights against unseen foes, revisiting techniques reminiscent of classics like “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and “The Shining.”
While the movie borrows heavily from its predecessors, these retreads create genuine thrills. That’s not necessarily a flaw; after all, many successful horror films draw inspiration from what has come before. But understanding the roots of these influences can deepen appreciation for contemporary horror.
“Black Phone 2” premiered at Fantastic Fest 2025, with a wider release set for October 17. As audiences gear up for the release, it seems to promise a blend of nostalgia and new horrors worth experiencing.
For an in-depth look into evolving themes in modern horror, you might explore resources from The American Film Institute.
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