Review: Black Phone 2 Review – A Grim Sequel That Tries Too Hard
Black Phone 2 review builds on the first film’s mythology by turning its killer into a supernatural entity, but it stumbles under its own ambition. Director Scott Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill push the Grabber into “Freddy Krueger territory,” yet the transformation feels hollow.
The sequel abandons the claustrophobic horror of cramped spaces and instead sets much of the action in a snow‑bound Christian camp. This open setting erodes tension. Ethan Hawke’s Grabber, now spectral, lacks the menacing unpredictability he had before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NKGHS8Uk78
From Basement to Blizzard: The Sequel’s Shift
In the first film, the threat lurked in tight quarters. Here, Derrickson relocates the horror to the harsh, isolated terrain of a winter camp. He aims for dream logic, but the rules become murky. The mask still shocks, but the scares are often diffused by convoluted narrative demands.
The siblings Finn and Gwen return to confront the Grabber. Gwen’s visions guide them toward the camp, while Finn wrestles with rage and guilt. Their paths converge in familiar territory—as the supernatural threat tests their bond.
Visuals, Style & Atmosphere
One strength is the cinematic look. Dream sequences use analog textures and grainy 8mm footage, which help blur dreams and reality. Some of these scenes are genuine chills.
Still, many scenes feel formulaic. The religious overlay—good as divine, evil as infernal—feels heavy‑handed. Rather than elevate the horror, it weighs down the story with extra layers.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Hawke delivers presence even behind the mask; his scenes often carry the film.
- The visuals and sound design enhance mood and dread.
- The sequel doesn’t simply replicate the first; it tries to expand mythology.
Weaknesses
- The Grabber’s new powers lack logic and clarity.
- Too much backstory dilutes mystery rather than enriching it.
- The pacing wobbles—some sequences drag, others rush.
- The religious framing sometimes overshadows pure horror.
Final Verdict: A Cold Echo of the Original
Black Phone 2 sets out ambitiously, attempting a dark sequel that leans into supernatural horror. Yet it often overreaches, replacing tight suspense with sprawling mythology. Its visuals and Hawke’s work offer glimpses of promise, but the overall execution leaves you feeling colder than intended.
If you answer the call, expect numbness more than genuine fear.
