Movie review: The Black Phone 2

Walking into The Black Phone 2, I wasn’t sure if a sequel could ever match the unnerving thrill of the original. But from the very first scene, it became clear, this is horror done smart, stylish, and deeply personal. Scott Derrickson returns to the director’s chair, collaborating again with Blumhouse, to deliver a story that’s as much about fear as it is about family, trauma, and courage.

Four years have passed since Finn (Mason Thames) survived the Grabber, yet the shadows of his past are far from gone. Now 17, Finn struggles with life after captivity, carrying scars that are as emotional as they are physical. Enter his younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), a headstrong 15-year-old whose dreams and visions begin to echo the horrors her brother endured. When the black phone calls again, it sets them on a chilling journey to Alpine Lake Youth Camp, a snowbound, remote setting that instantly amplifies the tension.

The performances anchor the film. Thames portrays Finn with quiet vulnerability, conveying the weight of survival without tipping into melodrama. McGraw is magnetic as Gwen, balancing bravery and curiosity in a way that makes her instantly relatable. And then there’s Ethan Hawke, returning as the Grabber in what may be his most chilling performance yet. Every moment he appears is a study in menace, a reminder that some evils don’t rest in death. Supporting cast members Demián Bichir, Arianna Rivas, and Jeremy Davies add depth, making the camp feel like a lived-in, tense environment rather than just a backdrop for scares.

The narrative is clever, weaving suspense, supernatural elements, and emotional stakes seamlessly. Dream sequences blur the line between reality and nightmare, keeping viewers off-balance in all the right ways. While some moments feel rushed, Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill maintain a sharp focus on the characters’ emotional arcs, which is what ultimately makes the horror resonate beyond cheap jump scares.

Visually, the film is stunning. The snow-drenched camp, shadowy interiors, and unsettlingly quiet moments create a mood that lingers long after the screen goes dark. Cinematography and sound design work together to pull the audience into a world that’s at once familiar and terrifyingly unpredictable.

What makes The Black Phone 2 especially compelling is how it balances horror with heart. It’s a story about survival, courage, and the unbreakable bond between siblings, wrapped in a mythos that feels rich and original. It’s a film that makes you jump, gasp, and sometimes flinch. But, also one that makes you think about fear, family, and resilience long after leaving the cinema.

For anyone craving a spine-tingling horror experience this season, The Black Phone 2 delivers in spades. I caught it at VOX Cinema, and the immersive big-screen experience, combined with the stormy winter setting of the story, made the tension almost tangible. Screening across all VOX and Majid Al Futtaim outlets, it’s the perfect winter watch for horror enthusiasts or anyone brave enough to answer the call.