One of the genres of movies that have always had the most derivative sequels are horror films. With the success of The Black Phone back in 2021, a return to that world was inevitable, and now that follow-up has arrived. With an actor of Ethan Hawke‘s calibre still attached to the series, one would hope for something of quality.
In a somewhat surprising move, the focus this time has been shifted from the now-teenage brother Finney (Mason Thames) to the sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). They take full advantage of McGraw’s pluck and give her some great comeback lines. They are ribald and very funny.
This shift brings the world of The Black Phone back to life with a fresh feel amid the new horrors. Having Hawke return as The Grabber is also intact, but the story focuses more on Gwen and her family. The story evolves out of the dreams that Gwen has and the revelations they bring.
Mixing humour and horror has always been a stock in trade for fright films, and it’s used to full advantage here. The laughs are frequent and relax you nicely before the horror puts you back on the edge of your seat. And in a break from tradition at the film’s end, there is a lovely coda that doesn’t feel like an ad for part 3.
Rob Hudson
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