The horror genre has a new contender for franchise status. Black Phone 2, the sequel to 2021’s sleeper hit The Black Phone, has arrived on streaming and is already being hailed as one of the strongest horror sequels in recent years.
A Dark Return
Set four years after the events of the first film, Black Phone 2 revisits Finney (Mason Thames), the lone survivor of the Grabber’s (Ethan Hawke) terrifying crime spree. While Finney struggles with trauma, the story shifts focus to his younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), who begins experiencing disturbing visions of the Grabber. Her nightmares lead Gwen, Finney, and their friend Ernesto (Miguel Mora) to Alpine Lake Camp, the site of the Grabber’s earliest crimes. Trapped by a blizzard, the group must confront both their unresolved trauma and the Grabber’s lingering supernatural presence.
Freddy Krueger Energy
The Grabber’s return channels the dream-haunting menace of Freddy Krueger. Gwen’s visions blur the line between dream and reality, with injuries sustained in her sleep carrying over into the waking world. This chilling mechanic raises the stakes, forcing the siblings and their allies to battle the Grabber across realms.
Cinematic Style
Director Scott Derrickson leans heavily on atmosphere, using wilderness isolation and grainy dream sequences to heighten tension. The film’s visual language distinguishes nightmares from reality, creating sharp, unsettling transitions that keep audiences on edge. The cabin setting, snowy landscapes, and eerie payphone by the lake provide timeless backdrops that amplify the supernatural dread.
Ethan Hawke’s Terrifying Performance
Hawke fully commits to the Grabber, delivering a performance that blends psychological menace with supernatural horror. His portrayal cements the character as a modern analog to Freddy Krueger, while still feeling original and deeply unsettling.
Family Bonds Amid Horror
At its core, Black Phone 2 is about siblings confronting trauma together. Finney, still haunted by his past, recognizes Gwen cannot face the Grabber alone. Their bond grounds the film emotionally, balancing the supernatural terror with human resilience.
Franchise Potential
With a $132 million box office haul against a $30 million budget, Black Phone 2 has proven both commercially and critically successful. The film’s worldbuilding suggests room for expansion, and cast and crew have expressed interest in continuing the story — provided quality remains the priority. For now, fans can stream Black Phone 2 on Peacock, where the Grabber’s nightmare continues to haunt audiences.
