Coming Soon: Black Phone 2 (2025) by Scott Derrickson: The Grabber Returns: From Basement to Nightmare

A Haunting and Visceral Sequel Black Phone 2 is a supernatural horror film and sequel to the 2021 hit, The Black Phone, from director Scott Derrickson. The film picks up four years later as the now 17-year-old Finney struggles with the trauma of his abduction. His sister, Gwen, begins receiving calls from the black phone in her dreams, leading her to a terrifying winter camp where they must confront the vengeful spirit of The Grabber. With a runtime of 1 hour and 54 minutes, the film is rated 18 for intense violence and disturbing content. It has already received 2 wins and 11 critic reviews, with a Metascore of 71.

Why to watch this movie: A Worthy and Terrifying Follow-Up

• A Bold, Unexpected Sequel: Instead of being a simple cash-in, Black Phone 2 is praised as a "worthy, terrifying sequel" that expands the universe and mythology of the first film in new and unexpected ways. It changes the setting and tone, making it feel fresh while still being connected to the original.

• Masterful Homage to '80s Horror: The film is a clear homage to classic '80s horror franchises, most notably A Nightmare on Elm Street. Director Scott Derrickson successfully channels the spirit of films like Dream Warriors, with the Grabber's new dream-based powers and the film's surreal nightmare logic.

• Deeper Character and Emotional Stakes: The sequel focuses on the psychological trauma of Finney and Gwen, exploring their post-traumatic stress and a newfound family history. This mature approach to the characters' development adds emotional depth and raises the stakes beyond a simple slasher plot.

• Visually Striking and Gory: The film has been praised for its striking visuals and more intense, bloody approach compared to the first. Reviews note its use of "terrifying images" and gory scenes, making it a more aggressive and shocking horror experience for an older audience.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29644189/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/the-black-phone-2-review-1236543100/

About movie: https://www.blackphonemovie.com/

Theatrical Release (United States): October 17, 2025

What Trend is followed: The Evolution of Horror Sequels Black Phone 2 is a prime example of a horror sequel that expands its scope and subverts expectations, a growing trend within the genre.

• The "Elevated" Sequel: The film moves beyond being a simple retread by blending its supernatural horror with a deeper psychological and thematic focus. This aligns with the trend of "elevated horror" where films use genre tropes to explore complex human emotions and social issues.

• Nostalgic Reboot: The film taps into the trend of modern horror films paying homage to the classic slasher franchises of the 1980s. By incorporating elements of iconic films like A Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th, the film appeals to both new audiences and nostalgic fans.

• From Contained to Expansive: The first film's confined setting created claustrophobic tension. The sequel subverts this by expanding the setting to a vast, snow-covered winter camp. This trend of blowing up a contained story into a bigger universe is common in horror franchises.

Director's Vision: From Gritty Thriller to Supernatural Nightmare

• More Mature, More Violent: Director Scott Derrickson's vision for the sequel was to create a more mature and intense film. He stated that the audience who loved the first film is now older, and he wanted to make a film that was "more violent and more aggressive" without being "edgy" for its own sake.

• Deeper Psychological Stakes: Derrickson's vision was to delve deeper into the emotions of the characters and their trauma. He wanted to make a film that "worked as a pair" with the first, exploring "who these characters have become, having gone through something so extraordinary."

• Homage over Mimicry: The director made a conscious decision to pay homage to '80s horror without simply copying it. He aimed to inject a "remarkable dose of Catholic theology" and his own visual language to create a film that feels new and original, despite its clear influences.

Themes: The Lingering Trauma of Survival

• Survivor's Guilt and Recovery: The film's central theme is the lingering trauma faced by survivors. It explores how Finney numbs his pain and anger, while Gwen's psychic abilities manifest in visions that force them to confront their past.

• Good vs. Evil and Religious Horror: The sequel introduces a stronger religious theme, with a character whose reliance on faith brings a new layer to the conversation about "bleak-as-tar evils." The film explores the idea of good versus evil through a more overt spiritual lens than its predecessor.

• Family Bonds and Legacy: The film delves into the family's history, revealing that Gwen's powers are inherited and that their mother had a connection to the camp. This adds a powerful theme of legacy and a compelling reason for the siblings to face their fears together.

Key success factors: Bold Vision and Unflinching Performances

• A Bold and Ambitious Sequel: The most important success factor for Black Phone 2 is its bold and ambitious attempt to expand its universe without repeating the first film. The decision to change the setting, tone, and the nature of the antagonist is a risk that seems to have paid off.

• Powerful Acting: The performances of the lead cast, particularly Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw, are praised for their emotional depth and maturity. McGraw's portrayal of a psychic medium is a strong anchor for the film's supernatural elements.

• Effective Use of Atmosphere and Tension: The film's winter setting and surreal nightmare logic create a fresh sense of dread and tension. Director Scott Derrickson is commended for his ability to push the narrative forward with "memorably terrifying images."

Awards and Nominations: A Promising Start on the Awards Circuit The Black Phone 2 has already begun to receive recognition, securing 2 wins and 11 critic reviews with a Metascore of 71. The film had a positive premiere at Fantastic Fest, a leading genre film festival, and its predecessor, The Black Phone, was a Saturn Award winner for Best Horror Film, suggesting a strong chance for similar accolades for the sequel.

Critics reception: A Bold Film with a Divided Reception The film has a generally favorable reception from critics, with a Metascore of 71.

• RogerEbert.com: The review states that the film is a "confident, blood-drenched homage" to A Nightmare on Elm Street that works its "fear factor in unexpected, creative ways."

• IGN: The review calls the film an "effective sequel that boils over with reinvigoration" and a "template for how sequels can reach further," praising its ability to explore trauma while still delivering slasher horror.

• Inverse: This review offers a more critical perspective, arguing that the sequel is "too high-minded for its own good" due to a "consistent push to make Christianity look cool and edgy," which leaves parts of the film feeling "disjointed and, frankly, unrealistic."

• Overall Summary: The critical consensus is that while the film has some flaws—including being tonally messy and occasionally too "expository"—it is a bold and ambitious sequel that succeeds in expanding its universe and delivering a genuinely terrifying experience. The film's strengths lie in its visual language, its thematic maturity, and its willingness to take creative risks.

Reviews: A Polarizing Reaction from Viewers

• Highly Praised: The provided user reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 7.5 and featured reviews giving scores of 9 and 10. Reviewers describe the film as "fantastic" and a "worthy, terrifying sequel," praising the performances and the film's ability to create a "tense and unsettling atmosphere."

• Overall Summary: Early audience reactions suggest a very positive reception for the film. While the provided data is limited, the sentiment is that fans of the first film and the horror genre will find this to be a highly enjoyable and effective sequel that lives up to its predecessor's reputation.

Release dates:

• Theatrical Release:

  • Fantastic Fest Premiere: September 20, 2025

  • Theatrical Release (United States): October 17, 2025

What Movie Trend film is following: A New Era of Streaming-First Blockbusters Black Phone 2 is part of a growing trend of "legacy sequels" that build on the world and mythology of a beloved original film, often years after its initial release. It is also a key example of the "elevated horror" subgenre, which blends psychological drama and character study with visceral, terrifying moments to create a more sophisticated horror experience.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Enduring Fascination with the Anti-Hero The film directly engages with the major social trend of de-stigmatizing mental health and trauma. By focusing on the psychological damage and recovery of its young protagonists, the film provides a raw and honest look at how survivors process grief and fear. The film also touches on the societal conversation around inherited trauma, both in the form of a family curse and the legacy of evil.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Audacious Genre-Bender Black Phone 2 is a bold and ambitious sequel that expands on the world of the original in a fresh and terrifying way. While some may find its tonal shifts and philosophical underpinnings to be a bit messy, the film’s unique vision, powerful performances, and unsettling atmosphere make it a must-watch for horror fans. It is a confident, scary, and ultimately rewarding experience that proves horror franchises can evolve and grow with their audience.