The much-anticipated sequel to 2021's surprise horror hit, The Black Phone, has finally arrived, but does it deliver the same chilling experience that made the original a fan favorite? Unfortunately, The Black Phone 2 leaves audiences starved for genuine scares and struggling to connect with its supernatural narrative.
Ethan Hawke's Return Falls Flat
Ethan Hawke reprises his role as The Grabber, the terrifying child abductor who haunted our nightmares in the first film. While Hawke's commitment to the character remains undeniable, the sequel fails to provide him with substantial new material to work with. The menacing mask and unsettling presence are still there, but the character lacks the fresh terror that made him so memorable originally.
Where Did the Scares Go?
The original Black Phone succeeded largely due to its clever blend of supernatural elements and real-world horror. The sequel, however, seems to have misplaced the formula that made it work so well. Rather than building tension through atmospheric dread and psychological horror, the film relies too heavily on jump scares that feel predictable and uninspired.
Supernatural Elements Lack Punch
The central premise of the black phone itself—a supernatural communication device allowing victims to contact previous captives—feels stretched thin in this installment. What once felt fresh and innovative now comes across as a recycled gimmick without the emotional weight that gave it meaning in the first film. The connections feel forced, and the guidance from beyond lacks the urgency that made the original so compelling.
Missed Opportunities Abound
Director Scott Derrickson, who helmed the successful first installment, seems to be going through the motions rather than pushing the franchise forward. The setting remains similarly claustrophobic, the characters follow familiar patterns, but the magic that made everything click is noticeably absent. It's particularly disappointing given the strong foundation laid by the original film.
Final Verdict
The Black Phone 2 ultimately feels like an unnecessary sequel that fails to justify its existence. While hardcore fans of the original might find some comfort in returning to this universe, most viewers will be left wondering why this story needed to be told. The scares are sparse, the emotional connections weak, and the overall experience forgettable—a disappointing follow-up to what was one of horror's most pleasant surprises in recent years.
