The sequel to 2021’s Black Phone hit theaters this month on October 17. Black Phone 2 takes place four years after the first film, with Finn’s little sister Gwen as the protagonist. Throughout the film, Gwen experiences vivid, unsettling dreams in which she receives calls from three young boys being stalked at a winter camp. Determined to uncover the truth, she and Finn find the camp and discover a chilling connection between the missing boys and The Grabber.
One of the film’s strongest elements is its immersive visual and auditory design. The cinematography, special effects, and haunting soundtrack really elevated Gwen’s dream scenes, blurring the line between dream and reality. The film effortlessly transports the audience back to the 80s, capturing the era’s signature energy through the characters’ flashy fashion sense and use of retro slang. Combined with the visual effects, it adds a sense of eerie nostalgia that makes each scene feel like a distant memory pulled from a VHS tape. The script also weaves in bits of humour and quirky dialogue, easing the tension with some light-hearted fun. Black Phone 2 manages to carve its own identity, introducing new themes and directions rather than relying too heavily on the original, which many sequels fail to achieve.
With that being said, this film is pretty lore-heavy, so if you haven’t seen the first one, you’re bound to be a little lost. Without context, much of the plot and symbolism can be lost on viewers. However, as a horror movie, there was a disappointing level of scare and suspense. While there was lots of violence and gore, I never once found myself on the edge of my seat, or with a racing heartbeat, which in my opinion is the pinnacle of a good horror film. The pacing also feels uneven, with slow plot development at times, and a weaker psychological edge than its predecessor. In fact, I found the movie to be funnier than it was thrilling. So, if you’re looking to have a good scare, this movie isn’t the right fit.
The film centers on Finn and Gwen, but also has some new side characters to spice things up. For instance, in the beginning of the film, we meet Ernesto, who seems to be interested in Gwen. The beginning built him up to play a larger role, with Ernesto tagging along for the mystery. However, I felt that his character was completely unnecessary, as he did not further the plot in any way. His presence felt more like an afterthought than a necessary addition.
Now let’s talk about the grand finale. The film does an admirable job of tying loose ends, leaving no unanswered questions. Both Mason Thames (Finn) and Madeleine McGraw (Gwen) give a phenomenal performance, perfectly capturing fear, grief, and relief in certain moments.
Overall, Black Phone 2 succeeds as a satisfying continuation of the original, with striking visuals, strong performances, and emotional depth. If you’re a big fan of the first film, or are drawn to films filled with mystery, violence, and gore, this movie is the perfect fit!