I really enjoyed The Black Phone 2 and I think it’s a strong and worthy sequel to the first film. Released on October 15, 2025, and distributed by Blumhouse Productions, the movie continues the unsettling story that began with The Black Phone (2021). Directed once again by Scott Derrickson, it runs 102 minutes and stars Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Ethan Hawke, with new additions like Julia Nightingale and Rory Cochrane. The film was both chilling and emotional, balancing its supernatural horror with strong character moments.
The story follows Finney Shaw (Mason Thames) as he tries to move on after surviving the Grabber, but peace doesn’t last long when his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) begins having new visions tied to a string of disappearances. The movie expands on the psychic elements from the first film while introducing deeper emotional stakes between the siblings. The tension builds gradually and the pacing keeps you invested throughout. It feels like a natural continuation rather than a forced sequel, which I really appreciated.
The acting is one of the film’s biggest strengths. Thames and McGraw give heartfelt performances that make their bond feel genuine, and Ethan Hawke once again delivers a hauntingly eerie portrayal of the Grabber. Even with less screen time, he manages to keep the character as disturbing and mysterious as ever. The cinematography and music also deserve credit, dark, moody visuals and a suspenseful score create an atmosphere that constantly keeps you on edge.
Overall, The Black Phone 2 does what a good sequel should, it expands the story, deepens the characters, and keeps the scares coming. It’s intense, emotional, and well-paced, with enough twists to stay unpredictable. While it doesn’t completely outdo the original, it still stands as one of the better horror sequels in recent years. I’d give it a solid 4/5, it’s a chilling, well-acted film that fans of the first won’t want to miss.
