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Entertainment: Coming Soon: Black Phone 2 (2025) by Scott Derrickson: The Phone is Ringing Again

A Horrific Sequel Black Phone 2 is a 2025 supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with C. Robert Cargill and Joe Hill. The sequel picks up four years after the events of the first film. Now 17, Finney struggles with the trauma of his captivity, while his sister Gwen begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone, leading her to investigate a new series of disappearances at a winter camp. The film has been described as a more complex and "visceral" continuation of the story, with a focus on supernatural elements and psychological tension.

Why to Watch This Movie: A Deeper Dive into the Horror

  • A Worthy Sequel: Unlike many horror sequels that simply rehash the original, Black Phone 2 aims to expand upon the lore and characters established in the first film. It is described as a "riveting and worthy sequel" that delves into new territory without undoing the original's legacy.

  • Return of a Terrifying Villain: Ethan Hawke returns as The Grabber, but in a new, more menacing form. Since he is now deceased, he operates on a supernatural plane, making him an even more formidable and terrifying foe.

  • Complex Character Arcs: The film focuses on the lasting psychological effects of trauma on Finney, showing his struggles with rage and self-medication. Gwen's character is also given a more active role, as she uses her clairvoyant abilities to investigate the new disappearances and confront the supernatural threat.

  • Homage to '80s Horror: The film's use of dream sequences and its blend of psychological horror with a supernatural slasher has drawn comparisons to classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.

Release Dates

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

What Trend is Followed?: The Supernatural Slasher Revival

Black Phone 2 is part of a trend that revives and reinvents the supernatural slasher subgenre, popularized in the 1980s.

  • It brings back the classic horror trope of a deceased antagonist who returns from the grave to continue their reign of terror, but with a modern, more psychologically-grounded twist.

  • The film is a product of Blumhouse Productions, a company at the forefront of this trend, known for producing high-concept, low-budget horror films that prioritize atmosphere and story.

  • The film taps into a sense of nostalgia for classic '80s horror while updating it with contemporary themes and a focus on character trauma.

Director's Vision: The Scars of Trauma

  • A More Graphic and Visceral Experience: Director Scott Derrickson stated that the sequel is a "high school coming-of-age movie," which "demands more" in terms of horror, making it "more graphic, scarier."

  • Expanding the World: His vision was to create a more complicated world and idea, venturing into "different territory altogether" while still dealing with characters the audience cares about.

  • Themes of Resilience: Derrickson's direction maintains a focus on the themes of trauma, resilience, and the importance of friendship in overcoming fear, which were central to the first film.

  • Dream Logic: The film delves deeper into the supernatural, using dream sequences and supernatural logic to create a more surreal and nightmarish feel.

Themes: Trauma and the Aftermath of Evil

  • The Lingering Shadow of Trauma: The film explores the long-term effects of trauma on survivors, as Finney struggles with anger and psychological scars four years after his captivity.

  • The Intergenerational Nature of Evil: The plot summary suggests a deeper connection between The Grabber, Gwen’s powers, and her family's past, pointing to the theme of inherited trauma.

  • Supernatural vs. Human Evil: While the first film blurred the line between human and supernatural evil, the sequel explicitly leans into the supernatural, raising questions about where human malice ends and otherworldly evil begins.

  • The Power of Friendship: As with the original, the sequel emphasizes the importance of friendship and emotional connection as a shield against fear.

Key Success Factors: A Strong Creative Team and a Beloved Original

  • Established IP: The success of the original The Black Phone created a highly anticipated sequel. Audiences are already invested in the characters and the unique concept.

  • Returning Cast and Crew: The return of director Scott Derrickson and writers C. Robert Cargill and Joe Hill, along with the main cast, ensures creative continuity and a consistent tone.

  • Blumhouse Productions: As a Blumhouse film, it benefits from the company’s strong brand recognition and its track record of delivering successful horror films.

  • A New Angle: The decision to move the horror from a physical space (the basement) to a psychological/supernatural one (dreams, winter camp) is a fresh approach that avoids retreading old ground.

Awards and Nominations: None Listed (yet)

As of the current date, the film has not won or been nominated for any major awards, though it has been featured in several "Most Anticipated" lists and premiered at Fantastic Fest.

Critics Reception: Initial Positive Buzz

  • Indiewire: Praises the sequel for being a "grisly sequel that plays the horror genre hits," noting that it "embodies the essence of Dream Warriors."

  • Dexerto: Gives the film a score of 4 out of 5, calling it a "superb sequel that maintains the creeping sense of dread established in the first movie" and a "perfect sequel" for its ability to expand the mythology.

  • Daily Dead: Rates the film 5 out of 5, calling it "riveting and worthy" and stating that it "lives up to the high quality set by its predecessor" by delivering on "story, character, boogeyman, and above all, scares."

  • Overall Summary: Initial critical reception from its premiere at Fantastic Fest is overwhelmingly positive. Critics are praising the film for its successful expansion of the story, its deeper dive into supernatural horror, and its blend of character development and visceral scares. It seems to have avoided the common "unnecessary sequel" trap by offering a fresh and compelling narrative.

Reviews: Positive Audience Reaction at Fantastic Fest

  • Film Festival Attendees: Early audience reactions from Fantastic Fest were "warm," with many praising its "successful blend of horror and character development."

  • Initial Reactions: Viewers felt that the film "effectively expands the universe established in the first installment while standing firmly on its own."

  • Overall Summary: The early buzz from a dedicated genre film festival is very positive, with audiences agreeing with critics that the film is a successful sequel that both honors and expands upon the original.

What Movie Trend film is following: The Expanded Horror Universe

Black Phone 2 is a perfect example of the expanded horror universe trend, where a successful standalone horror film is built into a larger franchise with sequels, prequels, and spin-offs.

  • This trend goes beyond simply making a direct sequel; it deepens the lore, introduces new characters and threats, and creates a more intricate mythology.

  • This is a hallmark of the Blumhouse Productions model, which turns high-concept horror films into lucrative franchises.

What Big Social Trend is following: Trauma-Informed Storytelling

The film taps into the social trend of trauma-informed storytelling, where films explore the psychological aftermath of traumatic events.

  • Instead of the horror ending when the credits roll, the film examines how the survivors, particularly Finney, cope with the long-term effects of their ordeal.

  • It reflects a growing awareness and openness to discussing mental health issues and their impact on individuals, even within the context of a horror film.

Final Verdict: A Must-See Sequel

Black Phone 2 appears to be a rare and successful horror sequel that not only lives up to but may even surpass the original. With its strong returning cast and creative team, a more complex and visceral plot, and a fresh take on classic horror tropes, it's a must-see for fans of the genre. The film is poised to be a critical and commercial hit, solidifying its place as one of the best horror sequels in recent memory


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