Black Phone 2 brings back The Grabber in a terrifying new chapter of the hit 2021 horror film The Black Phone. This sequel raises the stakes and deepens the story of the characters we met in the first movie.
What Makes Black Phone 2 a Standout Horror Sequel
Mason Thames, Madeline McGraw and Ethan Hawke return as Finney, Gwen and The Grabber. Black Phone 2 expands on the Grabber as we not only learn more about his mysterious background, but we also find out more about Finney and Gwen’s past and more about their mother.
Set at Alpine Lake in 1982, Black Phone 2 delivers that classic Friday the 13th vibe as Finney and Gwen uncover dark secrets connected to their past.
But it’s not just about the Children. The Grabber is also back from hell, and he wants revenge for Finney killing him in the previous film. The Grabber is haunting Gwen in her dreams and visions, much like a Freddy Krueger moment, as she is battered and bruised by The Grabber.
I have to say that Gwen’s dream sequences are brilliantly done; the look and feel of the film changes completely when we are in her visions. The crisp, clean look changes to a grainy film look with quick cuts to give you a feeling that the film is deteriorating. It really takes you to another level of fear during the film.
Black Phone 2 is so much more than just about The Grabber; it’s more about Finney and Gwen’s past, and they certainly get more screen time than Hawke’s character. But the moments we do get with Hawke’s moments on the screen are unnerving and brilliant to watch.
Some jump scares work well, and I swear the lady sitting in front of me was hiding her face behind her eyes several times.
Madeline McGraw shines as Gwen, and she has some brilliant lines when she drops some insults that really had me laughing, which is great as it breaks the tension.
Mason Thames is great to watch, and I’m so glad that he reprises his role as Finney.
I would have loved to see more of Ethan Hawke‘s The Grabber, but as I mentioned earlier, this film is more about Finney & Gwen, and that’s fine, as it adds more of a human touch to the supernatural thriller.
The cinematography by Pär M. Ekberg looks great, with many of the dark scenes still having plenty of definition to have you wondering, Is there something in the background, or am I imagining it.
When it comes to the music, the soundtrack from Atticus Derrickson completely blew me away, it perfectly suits the tension and the feel of a film set in the 1980s. Right from the rather creepy opening credits and the track being played, you know that Black Phone 2 is going to take you on a terrifying journey.
If you loved the original The Black Phone, Black Phone 2 is a must-watch sequel that expands the story, deepens the fear, and delivers a haunting 1980s horror experience.
Does Black Phone 2 Have an End Credits Scene?
No, Black Phone 2 doesn’t have an end-credit scene, so you are OK to leave or kick back and enjoy Derrickson’s music.
Images © 2025 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
A Haunting Sequel That Deepens the Horror and Heart of the Original
Movie title: Black Phone 2 (2025)
Movie description: As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, his sister begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake.
Date published: October 18, 2025
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 54m
Director(s): Scott Derrickson
Actor(s): Mason Thames, Ethan Hawke, Madeleine McGraw
Genre: Slasher Horror, Supernatural Horror, Horror
Summary
Black Phone 2 delivers a chilling sequel that deepens the story of Finney, Gwen, and The Grabber, blending eerie dream sequences, emotional backstory, and strong performances with haunting 1980s atmosphere and suspenseful scares.
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
