Black Phone 2 - A Movie Review

Evil returns in any shape or form.

Black Phone 2 rang into theaters again after its 2022 predecessor. After escaping the terrifying captivity, now 17-year-old Finn and his younger sister, Gwen, receive phone calls and experience disturbing dreams about three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake.

I need to stop doubting horror movie sequels because I was completely surprised by Black Phone 2. This film takes a very different approach, though it compiles reused storylines from other media. The message amplifies that it’s okay to be vulnerable after traumatic experiences.

Mason Thames and Madeline McGraw return in their roles as Finn and Gwen. Their emotional performances are impressive. Still carrying trauma from the previous incident, the sibling bond remains strong. Thames and McGraw both share impactful scenes that showcase sensational acting that will make them go far in their careers.

Ethan Hawke reprises his role as the menacing Grabber. Two new Ethan Hawke films have come out this year, and between the two roles, you wouldn’t believe that it’s the same actor. The Grabber is pure evil, who takes advantage of anything to torment people. His voice is terrifying.

In my review of the first movie, I complained about how Terrence (Jeremy Davies) wasn’t a believable character. His character is more involved with the story, and Terrence redeems himself. It was heartwarming how he reconnected with his kids.

Miguel Mora returns from the first movie, but in a new role as Ernesto. New credits include Arianna Rivas, Demian Bichir, Anna Lore, Simon Webster, Maev Beaty, Jacob Moran, and Chase B. Robertson. With the new ‘winter camp’ setting, the new characters add to the dynamic. I always laughed at Barbara’s (Beaty) conservative views of Gwen’s putrid language.

Scott Derrickson never planned on a sequel. However, it was a phone call from author Joe Hill that changed his mind. “What if ‘The Grabber’ called back from beyond the grave?” Hill pitched to him. What-ifs are the best part. It’s how you keep a story going.

The cinematography is absolutely astonishing. Filmmakers compiled unique cinematography for Gwen’s nightmare sequences. In Gwen’s dream sequences, the picture is grainy, like an old home movie. My friend and I were awed by one scene transition from a dream back into reality.

Derrickson filmed the nightmare sequences using a Super-8 camera, similar to his work in Sinister (2012). Black Phone 2 broke a record with the most use of Super 8 footage in a movie to date. The effect adds to the terror.

That and the cold environment. Summer camp is fun, but did you ever think about it in the wintertime? Filming transpired in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. According to the cast, the temperatures were extremely cold.

The horror in Black Phone 2 amplifies themes of supernatural, isolation, and trauma. I like it when horror sequels enforce how horror lingers after traumatic situations. The film is scary throughout, with effective jump scares, but there are also touches of comedy to relieve audiences. The chemistry between the cast is splendid.

Black Phone 2 incorporates an important moral, and that’s to let yourself feel emotions instead of bottling up traumatizing experiences.

My only complaint is that Gwen’s (often) repetitive dream fights are reminiscent of other media. It reminded by of A Nightmare on Elm Street and Stranger Things.

Where is Black Phone 2 on the horror radar? Scarily good! I was on edge and jumped in my seat a few times. Movie theaters enhance any movie-watching experience, and Black Phone 2 was a great watch. It makes a fun, scary movie adventure this Halloween.