Four years after the line was disconnected, the ring has returned.
That’s true both in and outside of this movie. “The Black Phone 2” is a sequel to the 2021 picture, and inside the film, four years have also passed. Finney (Mason Thames) is now a teenager and isn’t in the best place since his experience surviving the Grabber. He gets into fights and is dabbling in drugs, worrying his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw).
That’s not her only concern, though, as she begins having vivid dreams of murder victims at a secluded camp. Feeling an urge to learn what the dreams are trying to tell her, she enlists Finney to join her in going to the camp, telling the staff there that they’re interested in being counselors. When they get there, in the middle of a blizzard, they soon encounter a terror from their past.
“The Black Phone” was a strong, captivating and fresh entry in the horror genre. While it felt familiar, having been adapted from a story written by the son of Stephen King who was definitely influenced by his father, it did enough to stand on its own. Importantly, it featured extremely likable characters, a memorable antagonist and a mix of horror, drama and comedy.
It also felt very much like a completely self-contained story, meaning a sequel didn’t seem likely, but here we are. The good news? It’s not a simple retread. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, who co-wrote C. Robert Cargill, isn’t simply another hostage movie with a different character.
This picture goes in a completely different direction. It leans much more into its supernatural aspects, has a heavier exploration of family drama and advances the arcs of the main characters. Even the change in setting, now in the wide open wilderness surrounded by snow rather than a cramped, damp basement, adds a new layer.
“The Black Phone 2” stumbles in a few key areas, though, causing it to fall well short of its predecessor in terms of quality. First, the movie expands on the lore too much. In some genres, like fantasy or sci-fi films, this can be a positive. But explaining too much in a horror series can end up being a detriment.
That’s the case with this sequel. It ties up ends that never really felt loose in the first place. As a result, it subtracts from some of the mystery and intrigue the original film set up. In trying to make everything fit together nicely, the overarching experience of this two-movie universe now feels convoluted.
It also doesn’t help that the movie at times feels very derivative of the “Nightmare on Elm Street” series. The first film had the spirit of a Stephen King work, as mentioned, but this movie feels like it’s taking things another step with some of the dreamscape elements. Additionally, there are a few sequences involving skating that aren’t quite as scary as probably intended.
With all that said, it’s still enjoyable getting to spend more time with the two protagonists, Finney and Gwen, especially with the latter having an expanded role. Thames and McGraw once again prove that they’re talented young performers, as they’re each convincing in the fear they have about their situation and have believable sibling chemistry, like last time.
Ethan Hawke, meanwhile, is once again effective as the antagonist, while the supporting cast is well rounded out by the likes of Demian Bichir and Jeremy Davies. There are a few good scares and solid moments with a creepy atmosphere, too. Put together, it makes for a fine, but flawed horror sequel. 3.25 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 