Filmmaker Scott Derrickson and writer C. Robert Cargill’s collaboration is near perfection. They get storytelling at a level that explores interesting and original grounds. 2021’s The Black Phone brought some of the best work from the duo by showcasing a somewhat original idea while paying homage to horror films of the ’70s and ’80s. Even though the characters in The Black Phone reached a satisfying conclusion, the duo decided to have another crack at this world in hopes of expanding the lore. What happens is that Black Phone 2 not only succeeds in every way but also allows Derrickson and Cargill to create one of the best horror films ever made.
Black Phone 2 returns director Derrickson to show what has happened to siblings Finney (Mason Thames) and Gwen Blake (Madeline McGraw) four years after the events of part one. Cargill takes the reins of writer—along with Derrickson—in presenting that the siblings aren’t exactly alright. Finney is coping with the trauma of being kidnapped by and killing The Graber (Ethan Hawke). The victims of The Grabber haunt the young man, while Gwen experiences constant, eerie, and disturbing dreams. It’s when the two realize that their predicaments are related that the movie pops the f**k off.
Derrickson has always had an excellent eye for showcasing innovative directing and fantastic work with the camera. Black Phone 2 is a strong example of the filmmaker’s talent, and hot damn, it’s a good one.
The movie honestly feels like it has a bigger budget, and Derrickson doesn’t waste that notion. There are several scenes in Black Phone 2 where the director exhibits the real world and dreamworld in a subtle but horrifying fashion. Many moments in the dreamworld were shown through a style that harkens back to the grindhouse films of the 70s. This technique amplified the terror of the story tenfold with ease. I experienced real suspense every second during these scenes, which forced me to be in the mindset of Gwen. Yet, Derrickson was only giving me a tease of what’s to come.
A good portion of the movie takes place at a Christian camp where Finney and Gwen—alongside their friend Ernesto Arellano (Miguel Mora)—become snowed in with people who work the grounds. At this point in the movie, Derrickson slams on the gas, and the horror goes to an 11. Derrickson pumps up the horror when The Grabber starts hunting Gwen in her dreams, and the torture he brings to her becomes reality. There are multiple moments featuring The Grabber causing chaos and brutality that would even make Freddy Kruger proud—among these, a moment where someone becomes a human lawn sprinkler caused my jaw to hit the floor at the sheer shock of the scene.
Without a doubt, Black Phone 2 possesses profound depth thanks to Cargill’s writing.
Cargill’s a true wizard when it comes to his craft. Cargill understands how the horror genre can be used to telegraph real-life puzzling topics. He takes the opportunity with Black Phone 2 to comment on the idea of Heaven and Hell and what can happen to a soul. Cargill went on to explain this concept at this year’s Beyond Fest at American Cinematheque. The writer brought up the idea that both places strip a soul’s core of good or evil. The way a person lives determines the outcome of their soul.
Moreover, the writer also takes the script and brings it into the realm of confronting trauma. In addition, Cargill guides Gwen on a journey to accept her gift and understand how it ties to her religion. The screenwriter wraps all these ideas in an expertly crafted bundle that plays out at an even pace and even adds well-deserved comedy beats. It’s woven carefully into the plot, giving the movie depth that makes the story so much more engaging.
Lastly, the acting is superb from the main and supporting characters. Thames and McGraw impressively display their growth with the characters between films, helping to carry most of the emotional weight. Hawke goes hard with The Grabber this time to bring the character to a new, frightening level. The actor takes advantage of the character’s hellish design and goes all out to make every one of his scenes memorable. Even Mora—who plays the younger brother of his character Robin—holds his own throughout the film.
I’ll be honest, I heard that Black Phone 2 might be better than the 2021 movie from other critics, but I didn’t believe it. However, I’m a believer now. The movie is entertaining from beginning to end and doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares to achieve this. The direction, writing, acting, and costume design are spot on, illustrating that the collaboration between Derrickson and Cargill has only gotten stronger. I really can’t wait to see what these two have coming next, but until then, I’ll gladly snuggle up with Black Phone 2.