The highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 horror hit The Black Phone has arrived, bringing back Ethan Hawke as the sinister Grabber. Directed by Scott Derrickson, Black Phone 2 ventures into supernatural territory, blending elements reminiscent of classic horror while attempting to expand its narrative scope. The film follows siblings Finn and Gwen as they face the resurrected Grabber in a remote setting, combining suspenseful horror with psychological and supernatural themes. As the sequel hits theaters, critics and audiences alike have shared a mix of praise and criticism, reflecting high expectations and a franchise that has become a notable presence in contemporary horror.
Critical Reactions — A Mixed Bag
Critical reception for Black Phone 2 has been varied, reflecting both appreciation for its ambition and scrutiny of its execution.
Variety described the film as a “hypnotic extension of a retro franchise,” noting that Derrickson’s direction successfully creates an eerie, atmospheric world. The review praised the film’s visual and auditory tension, while cautioning that pacing and narrative cohesion sometimes falter, potentially leaving casual viewers struggling to follow its intricate plot.
The Guardian was more critical, calling the sequel “overstuffed, confusing, and stylistically muddled.” The review suggested that the effort to expand the franchise may have compromised the film’s clarity, though it acknowledged Hawke’s performance as a point of continuity and intrigue.
IndieWire drew comparisons to A Nightmare on Elm Street, commending Hawke’s ability to convey menace through subtlety but questioning whether the film adds enough originality to stand out in the crowded horror genre. Rolling Stone highlighted the movie’s tense atmosphere, yet pointed out that it offers little innovation, relying on familiar genre beats rather than breaking new ground.
The Hollywood Reporter noted the film’s ambition and strong performances but emphasized that narrative overcomplication and uneven pacing sometimes undercut its impact. Overall, while critics agreed that Black Phone 2 succeeds in maintaining a frightening and immersive environment, many felt the story occasionally struggled under the weight of its own complexity.
Visuals and Atmosphere
One of the most consistent points of praise across reviews has been the film’s visual and atmospheric design. Derrickson employs a carefully crafted cinematic style, with lighting and production design amplifying the sense of dread. The film uses confined spaces, muted color palettes contrasted with bursts of neon, and intricate set design to maintain tension.
Special effects and cinematography work in tandem to create a sense of immediacy and unease, making every frame feel deliberate. While the supernatural elements add another layer of complexity, they are grounded visually in ways that maintain suspense and plausibility. Many reviewers noted that these technical aspects elevate the film above a typical horror sequel, even when story elements falter.
Performances
Ethan Hawke’s return as the Grabber has been one of the most discussed aspects of the sequel. Critics highlighted his ability to instill the character with a chilling, calm menace. Unlike the overtly theatrical style seen in many horror villains, Hawke portrays evil as insidiously mundane. His physical restraint, measured delivery, and subtle facial expressions convey both familiarity and unpredictability, adding depth to a character that could have easily become one-dimensional in a follow-up.
The younger cast, particularly Mason Thames as Finn and Madeleine McGraw as Gwen, has also drawn praise. Thames portrays a compelling mixture of vulnerability and bravery, making his character’s journey engaging as he navigates increasingly dangerous circumstances. McGraw complements him by imbuing Gwen’s psychic abilities with emotional authenticity, ensuring that the supernatural elements resonate on a personal level. Supporting actors, including Demián Bichir and Jodie Turner-Smith, contribute to the film’s tension and provide grounding in more dramatic sequences.
While some critics observed that the Grabber is slightly less terrifying than in the first film, the ensemble performances successfully maintain suspense and emotional investment. Together, the cast ensures that Black Phone 2 remains more than a series of jump scares, giving audiences characters whose struggles matter even amid supernatural horrors.
Themes and Storytelling
Black Phone 2 explores themes of trauma, memory, and supernatural consequences, expanding the narrative ambitions of the original film. The story examines how fear and grief reverberate across generations, with Finn and Gwen confronting both external threats and internal psychological challenges. Memory and guilt are woven into the supernatural plotlines, creating moments where the characters’ emotional experiences heighten tension as effectively as physical danger.
Critics have acknowledged the film’s ambition but noted that the narrative can sometimes feel overcomplicated. Rules governing the Grabber’s supernatural abilities are occasionally convoluted, and multiple story threads lead to pacing issues in the middle portion of the film. Some reviewers argued that these complexities may distract viewers from the emotional core of the story.
Audience and Social Media Buzz
Audience reactions have largely mirrored critical sentiment, showing both enthusiasm and criticism. On Rotten Tomatoes, Black Phone 2 holds a 73% critic score, with an audience rating of 79%. IMDb reviews are similarly mixed, praising the film’s visual tension, strong performances, and psychological depth, while citing occasional narrative confusion and uneven pacing as drawbacks.
Social media conversations have been lively, with fans on X (formerly Twitter) highlighting the film’s suspense, memorable scares, and homage to the original movie. Reddit discussions, particularly on horror-focused threads, reflect a similar range of reactions. Some viewers praised the sequel for its emotional resonance and visual sophistication, while others felt the story became overly complicated, diminishing the impact of its scares. Common points of discussion include Hawke’s performance, the child actors’ emotional work, and the effectiveness of the supernatural elements in sustaining tension.
This active conversation online indicates that Black Phone 2 has become a cultural touchpoint for horror fans, provoking debate and analysis even as opinions diverge.
Film Details — Context for the Sequel
Title: Black Phone 2
Director: Scott Derrickson
Writers: Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Demián Bichir, Jodie Turner-Smith
Runtime: 119 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Budget: Estimated $180 million
Production Company: Blumhouse Productions
Premiere / Release: Premiered October 6, 2025 (NYFF); theatrical release October 10, 2025
The Conversation Around Black Phone 2
From red carpet appearances to online discussions, Black Phone 2 has sparked significant conversation. Critics and audiences continue to debate its combination of supernatural horror, psychological exploration, and suspense. While some highlight its narrative complexity as a strength, others see it as a source of confusion. Despite these debates, there is consensus that the film succeeds in creating an immersive atmosphere and compelling characters.
Whether praised for its artistry or critiqued for its storytelling choices, Black Phone 2 has secured a place as a notable entry in contemporary horror cinema. Its visual sophistication, strong performances, and exploration of trauma ensure that the film resonates with both fans of the original and new audiences seeking a dark, psychologically nuanced horror experience.
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