The Black Phone

The Black Phone

Finney Blake, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer’s previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn’t happen to Finney.

  • Released: 2022-05-29
  • Runtime: 102 minutes
  • Genre: Horror, Thrillers
  • Stars: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, James Ransone, Banks Repeta, Kellan Rhude, J. Gaven Wilde, E. Roger Mitchell, Gina Jun, Ryan Cronan, Braxton Alexander, Andrew Farmer, T. Maxwell Martin, Brady Ryan, Jacob Moran, Jordan Isaiah White, Spencer Fitzgerald, Kristina Arjona, Tristan Pravong, Ron Blake, Robert Fortunato, Chris TC Edge, Mark Riccardi, Brady Hepner, Troy Rudeseal, Megan Petersen, Bay Allebach, Ray Strachan, Mike Bailey, Christine Connelly, Matthew Simmons, Ray Strachan, Ray Strachan, Miguel Cazarez Mora, Rebecca Clarke, Sheila M. O'Rear, Rocco Poveromo, Parrish Stikeleather
  • Director: Scott Derrickson
 Comments
  • mrssarahjaneclark - 3 June 2024
    The Black Phone: A Riveting Thriller That Captivates from Start to Finish
    The Black Phone, a Netflix film, is an extraordinary thriller that masterfully blends supernatural elements with a gripping storyline, resulting in a cinematic experience that is as haunting as it is unforgettable. Directed by Scott Derrickson, known for his work on Sinister and Doctor Strange, The Black Phone showcases his unique ability to weave suspense and terror into a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

    From the very beginning, The Black Phone establishes a chilling atmosphere. The film opens with a series of unsettling events in a small town, setting the tone for the eerie and suspenseful journey that lies ahead. The cinematography by Brett Jutkiewicz is nothing short of stunning, capturing the stark contrasts between the seemingly idyllic town and the dark undercurrents that flow beneath its surface. The use of lighting and shadows adds an extra layer of tension, creating a visual feast that enhances the storytelling.

    The plot revolves around Finney Shaw, a young boy who finds himself abducted by a sadistic killer known as The Grabber, played with terrifying intensity by Ethan Hawke. Hawke's performance is a standout, as he brings a chilling charisma to his character, making The Grabber both repulsive and fascinating. The true horror, however, lies in the psychological manipulation and mind games that unfold as Finney is held captive in a soundproof basement.

    One of the film's most intriguing elements is the titular black phone, an old rotary telephone in the basement that inexplicably allows Finney to communicate with the previous victims of The Grabber. These supernatural interactions are handled with finesse, providing both hope and dread as the spirits of the past share their experiences and advice with Finney. This unique twist adds depth to the narrative, blending horror with a sense of camaraderie and resilience among the victims.

    The young actors in The Black Phone deliver remarkable performances. Mason Thames, who plays Finney, captures the character's vulnerability and determination with incredible skill. His portrayal of a boy grappling with fear and courage is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Madeleine McGraw, as Finney's sister Gwen, also shines with her portrayal of a fiercely determined sibling who refuses to give up hope. Their dynamic adds a poignant emotional layer to the story, highlighting the strength of familial bonds even in the face of unimaginable terror.

    The screenplay, adapted from Joe Hill's short story, is taut and well-paced. Derrickson and co-writer C. Robert Cargill have crafted a script that balances moments of intense horror with quieter, character-driven scenes that provide necessary relief and development. The dialogue feels authentic, and the characters are well-rounded, each adding their unique voice to the unfolding drama.

    The Black Phone also excels in its sound design and musical score. The eerie soundscape created by composer Mark Korven amplifies the tension and underscores the supernatural elements without overpowering the narrative. The use of silence and subtle audio cues enhances the film's suspense, making every creak and whisper feel significant.

    Moreover, the film's exploration of themes such as trauma, survival, and the power of human connection is both thoughtful and impactful. It delves into the psychological effects of captivity and the ways in which people cope with extreme fear and isolation. The resilience and resourcefulness displayed by Finney serve as a testament to the indomitable human spirit, offering a glimmer of hope amid the darkness.

    In conclusion, The Black Phone is a masterfully crafted thriller that stands out in the genre for its innovative storytelling, exceptional performances, and atmospheric tension. Scott Derrickson has delivered a film that not only terrifies but also resonates on a deeper emotional level. It's a haunting, thought-provoking, and ultimately satisfying cinematic experience that will linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll. If you're looking for a film that combines supernatural horror with a gripping, character-driven narrative, The Black Phone is an absolute must-watch.
  • roxmewild - 6 May 2024
    Blumhouse does not equal Horror
    When I saw Blumhouse in the opening credits I let out a Big Sigh! Yet I foolishly decided to ignore my reservations and watch this movie in hindsight I should have gone with my gut and skipped it! You see I have watched a few so called Horror movies from Blumhouse productions and I have yet to watch one that comes remotely close to what I consider Horror to be. There are No scary moments but an abundance of weird ones! Mainly the story itself lacks foundation interesting content or any tense moments! In other words the story Sucks! The 2 stars is for the child actors as they were good given the dire story as for Ethan Hawke to be honest it could have been any actor behind the masks he wore and I wouldn't have known the difference! Nightmare on Elm street the Excorcist are 2 examples of what I call Horror.
  • gettodamoofies - 15 February 2024
    "Wanna see a magic trick?"
    FILM: 7.5 Director Scott Derrickson returns to the supernatural horror genre once again with The Black Phone, and it's a chilling journey back in time. Set in 1978 and based on a short story by Joe Hill, the film channels the essence of classic horror storytelling, reminiscent of Joe's father Stephen King's works.

    Ethan Hawke delivers a standout performance, embodying the complexity of his character with subtle intensity. His portrayal adds dimensionality to the film, proving that sometimes less is more. The young cast members, particularly Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw, hold their own alongside Hawke, showcasing their talent in bringing their characters to life.

    While some performances may falter at times, the film's focus on character development and substance outweighs any minor flaws. One particular scene between McGraw and Jeremy Davies stands out as a highlight, showcasing exceptional acting that elevates the film.

    The Black Phone effectively builds an unsettling atmosphere, relying more on psychological terror than cheap jump scares. Derrickson's direction, combined with a minimalistic haunting score and atmospheric cinematography, creates a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.

    Despite its lower budget, the film is competently made, paying homage to classic supernatural horror thrillers of the past. It's a refreshing departure from CGI-heavy horror, relying instead on storytelling and character-driven suspense to captivate audiences.

    Overall, The Black Phone is a solid addition to Derrickson's filmography and a testament to the enduring power of old-school horror. While it may not reinvent the genre, it successfully delivers an engaging and atmospheric thriller that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

    FORMAT: Blu-ray

    VIDEO: 9.5 1080/24p presentation Detail level: Excellent Colour reproduction: Excellent Level accuracy: Good Encode: Excellent Master condition: Excellent

    AUDIO: 10.0 DTS-HD MA 7.1 audio Dialogue reproduction: Excellent Soundtrack & effects clarity: Excellent Dynamics: Excellent Surround sound presentation: Excellent LFE content: Excellent

    MOOFIEMETER: 7.0.
  • wellthatswhatithinkanyway - 9 January 2023
    A generally effective take on the horror genre
    STAR RATING: ***** Brilliant **** Very Good *** Okay ** Poor * Awful

    Suburban America, the 1970's. Finney (Mason Thames) is a young man enduring a stressful home life, with his abusive father Terrence (Jeremy Davies), along with his sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw.) He's pretty much an outcast at school, too, apart from his Native American friend, Robin (Miguel Cazarez Mora) who takes care of him. But when Robin goes missing, Finney is set on a collision course with the masked fiend (Ethan Hawke) who took him, finding himself trapped in a cellar, with only a black phone on the wall, where the voices of the killer's other young victims (including Robin) speak to him, telling him what he needs to do to survive.

    In a time of excessive jump scares and heavy, frenetic editing, without anything of real substance to get by, it's good to know that there is some modern horror that attempts to get beneath the skin a bit more. We have the likes of Jordan Peele, and his modern take on the genre, and this everyone's-talking-about-it effort from director Scott Derrickson. Playing on familiar themes of childhood innocence and endangerment, it treads familiar ground while adding neat little flourishes of its own, and achieves a generally successful and unsettling, if slightly underwhelming, result.

    The film manages to create a convincingly bleak and real world for its lead protagonist, especially during the period it is set in, a lonely and desolate world of an outsider, an ideal candidate for the sort of beast at the heart of this nightmarish tale. Derrickson employs some stylish visual imagery to enhance the dark effect he is aiming for, which works within the confines of a modern horror tale. The central villain has a creepy presence, with his haunting costume and mask, coming off as a more disturbing monster since we know he's a human (of sorts) underneath, and we all know they are the scariest monsters. Hawke plays him with an eerie childlike quality of his own, which leaves you wondering if he was abused in his own childhood, creating a more complex character than just what's on paper.

    The big regret is that somehow it doesn't feel like the sum of its parts, with an end pay-off that doesn't deliver with quite the impact it could have, a shame ending to what is otherwise a well constructed and engaging horror thriller. ***
  • johnbamber-543-390505 - 3 January 2023
    I was pleasantly surprised
    This movie was really quite enjoyable. It would be better if we had more of an insight into who the killer is, his motives, etc. However, it's understandable why the story didn't focus on that, because it's being told from the point of view of one of the kidnapped kids. These kids didn't know anything about their kidnapper, so it makes sense that we don't either. I thought the movie would be predictable, but all of my attempted "predictions" wound up not happening, or happening differently than what I was expecting, which kept me involved. I've never seen a movie that involved a direct connection to a villain's prior victims, I think that was very original and made me even more interested in watching it. Highly recommend!
  • charliepeterr - 29 December 2022
    Spine Tingling Unique Horror
    If you want a horror/thriller with twists and turns right through the movie this is your type of movie. I personally think that what most people look for in a horror movvie is the creepy villain who taunts you when your'e trying to sleep. However, this villainous figure (The Grabber) is not at all scary, but due to the amazing acting of Ethan Hawke whom plays The Gabber portrays his character in this eerie, dark and distinctuous form which leaves you fixated every time he appears in the scene. The movie has an ongoing clear structure meaning it is easy to understand. I think this is a really good technique used by Scott Derrickson (Director). Due to it's easy to understand structure, viewers are completely caught up in what's going on throughout the film, adding that extra little bit of haunt and excitement to the film. Overall I rated this film as an 8/10 which is probably a strict rating on this film as it's a uniquely written movie and hats off to Joe Hill for this spectacular write, I mean come on, son of the horror god, Stephen King, surely that dark, twisted horror talent must run in his blood.
  • kastrino - 28 December 2022
    Overrated fantasy thriller, something between IT and Stranger Things
    BLACK PHONE is basically a dark fantasy thriller with a couple of gore scenes but as the vast majority of modern movies that are placed in the Horror genre, this isn't a horror movie. The best way to describe it would be as a dark fantasy thriller, targeted primarily at fans of modern mainstream PG-13 horror and the Stranger Things fanbase. Many reviews here were talking about "something different" that "had huge potential" but all I personally saw was one movie really similar in vein to the original and new IT movies, with forced random fantasy elements and pretty all over the place script that tries to blend in teenage buddy themes in the vein of Stranger Things, half baked family drama to satisfy the modern non-horror audience and very few horror elements without any surprises or anything remotely original in them. The result is simply mediocre in my opinion, never reaching the degree of interest of the original IT or the continuous action of Stranger Things. In fact, the whole story looks more like a second rate Stephen King novel adaptation or a rip-off of one. I haven't read any of Joe Hill's work, but if this is representative, I will most likely pass.
  • russellk-51702 - 2 December 2022
    Worst thing to come out of Blumhouse!
    Horrible, simply horrible. This is undoubtedly the worst thing to come out of Blumhouse. There was absolutely no point or meaning to this movie. Unbelievable, cheesy characters. Not scary at all, but cringey. Terrible dialogue. Dad was abusive at beginning but plays absolutely no purpose for the story-wtf? Little girl's weird struggle with her faith also pointless and weird. Her dialogue was so unbelievable.

    To label this movie has "horror" is an embarrassment. There was nothing horror about this movie. The movie doesn't explain anything at all. For example, why does the phone ring? Why did the "Grabber" wanted to spare the main character initially? There is absolutely no point or meaning to this story. Oh yeah, the positive reviews are simply paid promotions.
  • mrglenngrant - 17 November 2022
    Excellent nostalgic comedy horror drama.
    Watched this with Indy while she was ill on the sofa and it turned out we both liked it a lot better than weoriginally thought we would.

    For a start, I didn't realise it was set in the late 70's - and when the opening credits ended I was fully expecting a "Present Day" type transition but so pleased to find that didn't happen.

    Performances throughout were great. Nice to see Daniel from 'Lost' again and the two kids were fantastic. The little girl was foul-mouthed, Jesus-loving powerhouse who made me laugh and wish so hard for her.

    The tension was well maintained and the couple of jump scares were very well done and made me and Indy both go "Jeezus!". The other bit that got the same reaction - in a different way - was when he escaped and didn't run to the first house for help but instead ran along the pavement and just allowed The Grabber to catch him. "Jeezus!!".

    A really good story with great performances, locations and characters. The father begging for forgiveness at the end was a little too Hollywood but I can see why they did it.

    83/100.
  • johannes2000-1 - 9 November 2022
    Intense and effective horror-thriller
    Given the limited setting (most scenes take place in the same basement), this is a surprisingly intense and involving horror-thriller. Young Mason Thames does a remarkable job as the intelligent and resourceful captivated Finney, and Ethan Hawke is genuinely menacing as the unpredictable sadistic kidnapper. The whole concept with the dead phone ringing and transferring messages of already dead friends was pivotal for the the story, but I did not quite grasp it. Was it meant as going on inside Finney's head, making all the schemes to get out of the basement in fact his own ideas? Or were they truly meant as being of supernatural origin? Things like the moving bottle seemed to suggest the latter, as did the fact that his little sister had inherited some kind of clairvoyancy from their mother, so Finney himself might also have had some kind of supernatural sensibility. Anyway, the result is a very entertaining and exciting movie that keeps you on the edge of your chair until the end.