Black Phone 2: A Chilling Sequel or Just Another Horror Misfire?

LOS ANGELES, CA — The highly anticipated sequel to the horror hit, The Black Phone, hits theaters with mixed reviews. Titled Black Phone 2, the film reintroduces the sadistic character Grabber, played by Ethan Hawke, as he returns to terrorize siblings Finn and Gwen once more.

In the first film, Finn, portrayed by Mason Thames, managed to escape the clutches of the Grabber, aided by ghosts of his previous victims. The sequel, directed by Scott Derrickson, takes a supernatural turn, incorporating dream sequences that allow the Grabber to connect with the real world. Critics note that while the first film grossed over $161 million, the sequel may struggle to find its footing.

The film is set in a snowy alpine camp, where Finn and Gwen, played by Madeleine McGraw, confront new challenges as they deal with the psychological aftermath of their previous encounter. “I wanted to explore their growth and the impact of trauma,” Derrickson stated in a recent interview.

Despite the film’s atmospheric visuals, some viewers have described its pacing and convoluted plot as cumbersome. Derrickson’s style, aimed at crafting a compelling narrative, has resulted in an overstuffed storyline that may leave audiences confused. “It should be a chilling story, but it feels like it’s trying too hard,” commented one film critic.

The Grabber’s character, known for his unsettling presence, is notably more subdued this time around. Hawke’s portrayal has been described as lacking the campiness seen in the first film, possibly to align more closely with audience expectations of modern horror. “I didn’t want the character to come off as a joke, but rather as a real threat,” Hawke explained.

With a runtime of nearly two hours, Black Phone 2 attempts to enhance the original’s scare factor, but some argue it misses the mark. “I found myself wondering about the plot holes instead of getting lost in the fear,” reflected one viewer at a test screening.

As audiences await the film’s release on October 17, 2025, the anticipation builds. Will Black Phone 2 succeed in carving its niche in the horror genre, or will it be another forgotten sequel in the shadow of its predecessor?