As the sequel to the blockbuster movie The Black Phone, Black Phone 2 deserves all the praise for the outstanding story it tells.
Directed by Scott Derrickson and written by Joe Hill, Scott Derrickson, and C. Robert Cargill, Black Phone 2 tells an emotional story that immediately catches the audience’s attention.
Actors Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, and actress Madeleine McGraw did an outstanding job throughout the entire movie. The actors created a sense of realism that could be felt due to the raw emotion and passion they brought to life through their characters.
Black Phone 2 begins with seventeen-year-old Finn struggling with his life after his captivity by The Grabber. Gwen, his younger sister, starts to receive phone calls in her dreams from three young boys located at Alpine Lake. Infiltrating Gwen’s dreams, The Grabber’s spirit torments her, causing Gwen and Finn to embark on a journey to Alpine Lake in hopes of uncovering a mystery connected to their family history and The Grabber.
Black Phone 2 has such an immersive storyline that leaves your heart pumping. I thought the writers did an amazing job creating an atmosphere that completely immerses the audience into the story. Stuck in an eerie environment, there was no way to prevent the viewers from caring for the characters and the troubles they had to experience.
I really enjoyed the fact that this movie builds off of The Black Phone’s strengths while simultaneously taking on new challenges and territory as well. Compared to the original movie’s continual suspense, this movie has a more slasher-like vibe.
By doing so, Black Phone 2 brought forth new mental and physical obstacles the characters needed to face. Mentally, the characters traversed new territory fueled by anxiety and anger, while they physically navigated the new terrain of Alpine Lake and the mystery surrounding it.
I believe Black Phone 2 had great horror aspects as well, specifically in the supernatural horror element. Through the use of hauntings and spirits, the movie told a story so impactful that it left the audience on the edge of their seat, full of anticipation. I also liked the way this movie balanced both quick, sudden jump scares and slower, suspenseful moments as well.
Overall, I believe Black Phone 2 deserves a 4.5 out of 5 bones.
