Hold on tight, because Black Phone 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a bold gamble that dares to ask: Can lightning strike twice? After the haunting success of The Black Phone (2021), fans were skeptical. The original felt like a perfectly wrapped horror gem, a one-and-done masterpiece. But director Scott Derrickson wasn’t ready to hang up the phone just yet. And this is where it gets controversial: Was this sequel truly necessary? While some might argue it wasn’t, it’s hard to deny that it delivers a gripping, suspenseful ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
The story picks up four years later, with Finney and his sister Gwen still grappling with the scars of their childhood abductions. Finney, now 17, is desperate to move on, but Gwen, at 15, starts experiencing chilling visions of a Christian camp and whispers of The Grabber’s return. But here’s where it gets tricky: The Grabber, who was definitively killed in the first film, is back—this time with a supernatural twist tied to Gwen’s visions. This shift from the grounded realism of the original to a more slasher-inspired, supernatural tone is both refreshing and risky. It stretches the story’s logic, leaving some viewers scratching their heads, but it also gives Derrickson creative freedom to experiment visually and emotionally—and boy, does he deliver.
With a budget $12 million larger than the first film, the mise-en-scène is nothing short of stunning. Gwen’s visions, shot with a disorienting “found footage” style, add an eerie layer that elevates the film. The cinematography, lighting, and clever use of Super 8 footage give it a vintage, almost nostalgic edge that feels both haunting and beautiful. And this is the part most people miss: The sound design is a silent star of the show. From the low hum of wind against the cabin walls to the sharp ring of the black phone, every auditory detail heightens the tension, proving that silence can be just as terrifying as any jump scare.
What truly stands out is the suspense. The pacing is deliberate, each moment building tension like a tightrope walker teetering over an abyss. The isolation of a snowstorm amplifies the chilling atmosphere, perfectly mirroring the characters’ fear and loneliness. Madeleine McGraw, who plays Gwen, steals the show with a performance that’s nothing short of remarkable. At just 16 during filming, she effortlessly balances fear, determination, and anger, carrying emotional and combative scenes with maturity beyond her years.
Another highlight is the introduction of Ernesto, Robin’s younger brother from the first film. Played by Miguel Mora, who returns in a more mature role, Ernesto adds depth and continuity while bringing much-needed Mexican-American representation to the horror genre. It’s a subtle but impactful choice that feels both natural and refreshing.
But here’s the controversial question: Does the supernatural plotline work? While visually striking, bringing back The Grabber as a ghostly figure feels unnecessary and muddies the realism that made the original so compelling. The film could have introduced a new killer tied to Gwen’s visions or explored another child receiving calls on a black phone. Instead, the script leaves too many questions unanswered—why does Gwen have these visions? Why is The Grabber tied to them?—and the lack of genuine danger in the final act diminishes the stakes.
Yet, despite these flaws, Black Phone 2 is an undeniably enjoyable sequel. Its technical craftsmanship, emotional performances, and atmospheric tension more than make up for its narrative shortcomings. As you leave the theater, you might still wonder why this film needed to exist, but the experience itself is so immersive that the question almost feels irrelevant. Here’s the thought-provoking question for you: Does a confusing storyline matter if everything else about the film is executed flawlessly? Let’s debate in the comments—do you think Black Phone 2 was worth answering the call?
