"Black Phone" sequel has likeable characters, powerful performances

There appears to be a continuing trend involving the resurgence of the horror genre in cinema. Films such as “Him,” “Together,” “Bring Her Back” and “Weapons” for 2025 have simply brought solidified rejuvenation in ways that even I must admit is surprising.

Director Scott Derrickson returns to helm the sequel of his sleeper hit film “The Black Phone” with Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw and Jeremy Davies reprising their roles from the previous film as well. For those not familiar with the filmography of Derrickson, he gradually began building up a solid foundation with projects like "Sinister," "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (remake starring Keanu Reeves), "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and "Dr. Strange" when the Marvel Cinematic Universe was an unstoppable juggernaut. It was "Dr. Strange" that eventually garnered him critical and financial success, making him a household name.

Originally, he was slated to direct the sequel of "Dr. Strange," intending to bring horror into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Creative differences surfaced, leading to him leaving the film and directing “The Black Phone” in 2021, becoming an unexpected critical and financial success in that summer. The film received critical acclaim for maintaining a traditional horror setting with authentic acting performances, intense atmosphere and not sacrificing the story for the gimmick of jump scares.

“The Black Phone 2” takes place four years after the events of the first film with sibling Finney attempting to heal from his experience of being mentally/physically tormented by the serial killer known as The Grabber. Memories of the terrifying isolated experience created deep and obvious rage, sadness, guilt and fear. Gwen, his younger sister, in vain offers comfort until she experiences unexplained horrific visions.

Where Derrickson succeeded with the previous film was maintaining a traditional, grounded and confined horror concept primarily focusing on the antagonist and the performances between Hawke and Thames. His approach to this story ventures into a different territory, exploring the interconnecting world of dreams and out-of-body experiences. There is an obvious tribute to 1984’s “Nightmare on Elm Street” with the antagonist being able to cause havoc within the dream world, the difference being Freddy Krueger strictly attacking those specifically living on or in Elm Street. The Grabber’s darkness remains physically and spiritually confined to Finney and Gwen.

Derrickson does lean into the supernatural element without it becoming overly comedic.

I found myself embracing the idea of this film exploring a more methodical and cerebral approach rather than relying on pure shock value. There is a far deeper processing of character development combined with the atmosphere, Derrickson’s writing and the visual presentation continuing the grounded approach. An innovative filming technique utilized for the dream sequences involved Derrickson using 35-millimeter film reel, giving a grainy, gritty, lucid and atmospheric way of storytelling that was uniquely refreshing. There is a special magical component when directors use actual film reels instead of modern technological advancements.

Finney and Gwen’s journey takes them to Alpine Lake hoping to uncover answers about The Grabber’s association with the isolated Christian Youth Camp. The relationship between siblings is refreshingly believable, emotional and heartwarming, as the performances given from Thames and McGraw are impactful and resonating. It is rare to find likeable characters in horror. From my viewpoint, the antagonist was always more interesting, exciting and normally was the one that the audience like me would find themselves cheering on. Both Finney and Gwen are equally likeable characters carried by the performances of two talented individuals, which it makes their plight far more realistic.

Hawke returns as the sadistic serial killer The Grabber in even more gruesome and haunting fashion. I never knew he had this side of him as an actor capable of portraying a reprehensible form of evil. How he conveys anger, hypocrisy, sadism and viciousness with utter ease makes a person wonder sometimes. He is far more terrifying in this sequel than in the first film.

Another element I found exciting was how realistic the dream sequences appeared on the big screen. It was interesting how during our period of rest, our experiences within the dream world/nightmares appear in ways difficult for me to articulate. It was a unique atmospheric experience with Derrickson extending the horror genre into a new place with his innovative storytelling and film process.

Leaning into the afterlife and supernatural basis was an interesting way of approaching The Grabber. In the end, it was and is the only way for the sequel to remain interesting and fresh. Derrickson’s “The Black Phone 2” surpasses the previous film in every way imaginable, and I legitimately have no reservations, complaints or any negative words to express about the release. It is another excellent chapter in his filmography, filled with genuine disturbing imagery, violence, intense character development, isolated and cold atmosphere and raw powerful performances. “The Black Phone 2” receives a resounding 10/10 and two thumbs up.

To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.