BLACK PHONE 2 Dials Up the Horror Gore Yet Also Offers Hope (Review)

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I’m really excited about *Black Phone 2*, and the trailer got me thinking. They say ‘dead is just a word,’ which is cool, but I actually love the full line from the first movie even more: ‘Dead is just a word. Fear is just the beginning.’ It’s so creepy and sets the tone perfectly!

Trailers often use memorable lines, and that’s the case here. However, these few words really capture why Derrickson and Cargill made a sequel. While I anticipated scares and violence, what I enjoyed most about *Black Phone 2* was its sincerity.

The sequel picks up three years after Finney defeated The Grabber. While we last saw him as a confident young man, he now struggles with the same anger and fear that haunted his father. Meanwhile, Gwen’s psychic dreams, which were important in the first movie, have become even more intense and troubling.

The sequel to *The Black Phone*, *Black Phone 2*, doesn’t just continue the story, it surpasses the original, marking a rare achievement in horror filmmaking comparable to *The Conjuring 2*. Three years after the terrifying events in the basement, Finney and Gwen are still grappling with the trauma. Finney struggles with PTSD, while Gwen views her psychic abilities as a curse. Their fractured family is attempting to heal now that their father is sober.

The film takes them to Alpine Lake Youth Camp, where they meet Ernie, and face a supernatural showdown with The Grabber, who is even more terrifying in death. The movie pays homage to classic horror films like *A Nightmare on Elm Street* and *The Labyrinth*, with a focus on earnestness that feels refreshing in a genre often defined by cynicism.

Both Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw deliver exceptional performances, showcasing remarkable growth since the first film. The audience connection to these characters allows for deeper exploration of their individual journeys. While the film doesn’t shy away from scares and gore – the snowy Colorado setting and haunting score amplify the terror – it’s the emotional depth and hopeful themes that truly stand out. *Black Phone 2* is a story about reclaiming power and growing up, and its bold earnestness makes it a truly special and compelling sequel. It’s a film that proves a sequel can be more than just a continuation – it can be an elevation.

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2025-09-23 17:03