Here’s a bold statement: The Black Phone 2 might not be as fresh as its predecessor, but it’s a chilling reminder that some nightmares refuse to stay buried. And this is the part most people miss—while it treads familiar ground, it does so with enough heart, horror, and innovation to keep you hooked. Set in 1982, four years after Finn outsmarted the notorious Grabber, the sequel dives back into the darkness when the black phone starts ringing again. Evil, it seems, has a way of clawing its way back from the grave, and this time, it’s haunting Finn’s younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). As Finn (Mason Thames) struggles to piece his life together, Gwen, now 15, begins experiencing eerie calls in her dreams and visions of three boys being hunted at a remote winter camp called Alpine Lake. Determined to end the cycle of terror, she convinces Finn to journey into the heart of her nightmares during a raging snowstorm, where they uncover a horrifying link between The Grabber and their family’s past.
But here’s where it gets controversial—while some critics argue that The Black Phone 2 tries to franchise what could’ve been a perfect standalone horror story, I’d counter that this is precisely what horror does best. If a villain sells tickets, they don’t stay dead. Writer C. Robert Cargill, initially hesitant after Sinister 2, was won over by Joe Hill’s pitch: Finn getting a call from The Grabber, straight from hell. And honestly, who wouldn’t want more of Ethan Hawke’s bone-chilling performance? In an era where modern horror lacks iconic villains like Michael Myers or Freddy Krueger, The Grabber’s return feels like a welcome throwback. Sure, it’s derivative, but horror has always been a genre that cannibalizes itself—what matters is how it’s done. And The Black Phone 2 does it with style.
Speaking of style, The Grabber’s limited screen time is more than made up for by his looming presence. His iconic mask, designed by horror legend Tom Savini, is instantly recognizable. Originally inspired by real-life killer John Wayne Gacy, the mask was retooled to avoid comparisons to Stephen King’s work (Joe Hill’s father), instead drawing on 1930s devil-themed magic acts. Paired with Hawke’s menacing performance, it’s a recipe for terror. But let’s address the elephant in the room: The Grabber’s resurrection echoes Freddy Krueger’s return in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Is it a rip-off? Not exactly. Horror thrives on folklore and repetition, and The Black Phone 2 spins its familiar tropes into a ghost story rather than a nightmare. It’s more Friday the 13th meets The Thing than Elm Street, with its lakeside camp setting and isolated, snowy horror.
The cast shines, with Mason Thames delivering a nuanced portrayal of Finn’s post-traumatic stress. His anger, violence, and weed-fueled coping mechanisms mask a deep fear, but his love for Gwen drives him forward. Meanwhile, Madeleine McGraw steals the show as Gwen, a character grappling with her psychic abilities while delivering profane quips that would make a sailor blush. Her blend of vulnerability and wit is the film’s emotional core. Supporting performances, including Miguel Mora as Ernesto and Jeremy Davies as a redeemed father, add warmth and depth.
Director Scott Derrickson returns with confidence, expanding the world while staying true to the tone of the original. The shift from a dingy basement to the snowy Colorado mountains opens up a stunning visual palette. The use of vintage heating coils for lighting and old film grain to distinguish reality from nightmare adds layers of texture. And yes, the gore is dialed up, with glimpses of child murders that the first film avoided. It’s a bold choice, but one that pays off, grounding the horror in grim realism.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is The Black Phone 2 too reliant on nostalgia and horror tropes, or does it successfully carve out its own identity? While it occasionally drags and leans into cheesy after-school-special territory—especially with its themes of morality and faith—it rewards patience with emotional payoff. It’s a worthy successor, blending supernatural horror with psychological trauma and expanding the mythology without losing its soul.
So, if The Grabber calls again, will I answer? Absolutely. But what about you? Does The Black Phone 2 deserve a third installment, or should some nightmares stay buried? Let’s debate in the comments.
