The Black Phone 2 Review: A Haunting Sequel, But Not Without Its Flaws
Plot:
In 1982, four years after Finn's harrowing escape from his abductor, the malevolent Grabber, the nightmare returns. Ethan Hawke reprises his chilling role as the vengeful spirit, now haunting Finn's younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). As Finn (Mason Thames) struggles to rebuild his life, Gwen, now 15, begins experiencing eerie dreams and visions of three boys being hunted at Alpine Lake. Determined to end the torment, she convinces Finn to travel to the place in her visions during a raging snowstorm, where they uncover a disturbing connection between the Grabber and their family's past.
Review:
I witnessed the West Coast premiere of this film at LA's Beyond Fest, and the anticipation was palpable. The crowd buzzed with excitement, and some fans even dressed as the iconic Grabber to match the eerie atmosphere. It's clear that this sequel has quickly become a beloved addition to the modern horror community.
As a self-proclaimed horror enthusiast, I admit I have a soft spot for both masterpieces and trash. While some elements of this film might be deal-breakers for others, that's the beauty of horror: it's subjective chaos. The Black Phone 2 successfully blends traditional horror elements with innovative twists, highlighting some of the genre's most enduring tropes.
One common critique is that the sequel tries to franchise what could have been a standalone horror masterpiece. However, this is a common tradition in horror, as killers often return for more. Writer C. Robert Cargill, who initially hesitated after his experience with Sinister 2, was convinced by Joe Hill's pitch to bring back the Grabber. And I'm thrilled with the result.
In today's horror landscape, we lack a new generation of iconic boogeymen. The 70s and 80s were dominated by the likes of Michael, Freddy, Jason, and Leatherface. This generation needs its own horror icons. While Art the Clown is on the rise, most modern slashers are legacy sequels. So, I welcome the return of the Grabber with open arms.
The Grabber's limited screen time is impactful, thanks in part to his instantly iconic mask, designed by horror legend Tom Savini. The character's original design was inspired by clown makeup, but Joe Hill requested a switch to avoid comparisons to his father, Stephen King. Instead, they opted for a 1930s magic act-inspired look, incorporating a devil mask, which Savini sketched on a cocktail napkin, creating a new horror icon.
Ethan Hawke delivers pure menace as the Grabber, radiating malevolence with every word. His performance is a testament to his commitment to the role, embodying the ghostly presence of the character. While some may draw parallels to Freddy Krueger, it's not a deal-breaker. Cannibalism is a horror tradition, and derivatives are inevitable. For instance, Friday the 13th began as a cash-in on the Halloween franchise.
The returning cast is stellar, with improved performances. Mason Thames as Finn subtly portrays post-traumatic stress, dealing with anger, violence, and weed. He channels his late friend Robin's antics, but his caring nature shines through as he protects his sister, Gwen. Madeleine McGraw's Gwen is a mature, vulnerable character, working through her psychic abilities and connecting with her dead mother. Her wit and vulnerability make her a standout.
Miguel Mora returns as Ernesto, adding levity and warmth, while Jeremy Davies offers a quiet but meaningful redemption arc as Finn and Gwen's father.
Director Scott Derrickson returns with confidence, expanding the world while maintaining the tone that made the first film successful. He pushes boundaries, blending supernatural horror with psychological trauma and adding stunning visual depth. The shift from a dingy basement to the snowy outdoors enhances the film's visual palette, and the use of old film grain to indicate reality-nightmare shifts is a clever choice.
The film explores themes of morality and facing fears, with some cheesy moments and preachy undertones. It can drag at times but rewards patience. Overall, it's a chilling, bold follow-up that expands the mythology without losing its soul. It's a worthy successor to The Black Phone, earning its keep as a chilling, emotional, and surprisingly heartfelt horror film.
I eagerly await the Grabber's next call.
