FILM REVIEW: THE BLACK PHONE 2 (18) ESP RATING: 4/5

A chilling sequel that rings true...

Black Phone 2 takes the eerie premise of its predecessor and ventures deeper into thrilling, supernatural territory.

Directed once again by Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange), the film sees Ethan Hawke return as the menacing Grabber, while Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw reprise their roles as youngsters Finney and Gwen Blake. Newcomers Demián Bichir (Alien: Covenant) and Jeremy Davies (Saving Private Ryan) also add fresh texture to the ensemble.

Set in 1982, four years after Finney’s harrowing escape, the sequel moves away from the gritty realism of the first film. Gwen begins experiencing vivid, haunting dreams that tether her to past tragedies.

At first, I wasn’t sure where I’d land with my score, as the tone felt distinctly different from the original – and that took a little getting used to. Yet, as the film unfolded, I came to admire its daring approach. It’s refreshing to see a sequel that attempts to take risks rather than simply repeat old tricks.

The pacing is slower than before, with action sequences few and far between, which initially felt like a drawback. However, once you settle into its deliberate rhythm, the tension builds beautifully, making the eventual climax all the more thrilling and emotionally satisfying. The restraint makes the moments of violence hit harder, punctuating the story with bursts of truly gripping terror when it does happen.

Visually, Black Phone 2 excels. The grainy dream sequences evoke the texture of classic horror cinema, sharply distinguishing the supernatural from reality and immersing the audience in its unsettling world. While comparisons to A Nightmare on Elm Street are inevitable, the film confidently forges its own identity, weaving a new mythology into familiar horror territory.

Ethan Hawke remains chilling as ever, infusing the Grabber with even greater menace and mystery. Thames and McGraw deliver especially compelling performances, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to their characters’ journeys. A minor criticism, however, is that the supporting cast lacks the same level of development. Their performances are strong, but I never quite cared about their fates in the way I did for our leads. Thankfully, this doesn’t detract from the overall experience – Finney and Gwen’s story remaining at the heart of the film.

Which makes this a worthy and haunting sequel – bold, atmospheric, and emotionally resonant.

It may not answer every call for perfection, but it’s one you’ll likely want to pick up. 

ESP Rating: 4/5

Mike Clarke

Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough & Odeon Luxe Peterborough, Out Now

Cast: Mason Thames, Madeleine Mcgraw, Ethan Hawke, Demian Bichir, Jeremy Davies, Miguel Mora & Arianna Rivas

Running Time: 1 Hr 54 Mins

Director: Scott Derrickson

Film Review Venue: Showcase Cinema De Lux Peterborough

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