The highly anticipated sequel to the 2022 horror hit “The Black Phone” has arrived, but it fails to capture the same level of suspense and terror as its predecessor. Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Ethan Hawke, “Black Phone 2” struggles to maintain the momentum of the original film, leaving audiences feeling underwhelmed.
Set in the aftermath of the first film, the sequel follows Finn (Mason Thames), the young protagonist who defeated the Grabber, a sadistic killer played by Hawke. This time, the Grabber has returned from the dead, now possessing supernatural abilities that allow him to cross over into the real world. Finn and his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) find themselves trapped at a Christian camp, where they must confront the resurrected Grabber once again.
While the premise holds promise, the execution falls short. The film’s pacing is uneven, with too many convoluted plot points and unnecessary backstories that distract from the core narrative. The Grabber, once a chilling and enigmatic villain, has been reduced to a less-than-compelling supernatural entity, lacking the same unsettling presence that Hawke brought to the role in the first film.
The religious elements introduced in the sequel feel forced, as if the filmmakers were trying to appeal to a specific audience rather than organically integrating them into the story. This shift in tone, combined with the overly complex narrative, undermines the film’s ability to truly terrify the audience.
Ultimately, “Black Phone 2” is a disappointing follow-up that fails to capture the magic of the original. Fans of the first film may find themselves left wanting, as the sequel struggles to maintain the same level of suspense and horror that made the original such a success. While Hawke’s performance is still a highlight, the film as a whole falls flat, leaving one to wonder if this franchise has run its course.
