Nothing Worth Calling Home About in Black Phone 2
Scott Derrickson’s Black Phone 2 attempts to capture the haunting essence of its predecessor, but ultimately, it falls short of delivering the visceral fear that made the original such a standout horror film.
Instead of the fresh, terrifying experience we anticipated, this sequel presents a bittersweet narrative that dances around deeper themes but struggles to find its footing in the horror genre.
The film is set during a nostalgic early 80s backdrop, where we find Finn, now a 17-year-old, grappling with the aftermath of his traumatic captivity. This character development adds layers to the story, as we witness his internal struggles and the long shadow of his past.
Simultaneously, his sister begins receiving mysterious calls in her dreams from the black phone, experiencing chilling visions of three boys menaced at the Alpine Lake camp.
While this plot introduces intriguing elements, the execution does not evoke the same pulse-pounding fear that was so effectively crafted in the first film.
Derrickson’s use of filmmaking techniques is commendable, contributing to a creepily eerie atmosphere. The haunting dream sequences are visually striking, employing a mix of 16mm film stock, shadows and unsettling imagery that genuinely reflect the director’s vision. These scenes serve as some of the film’s most compelling moments, showcasing Derrickson’s skill in leveraging visual storytelling to evoke a sense of dread.
However, while the atmosphere is rich and immersive, it lacks the raw edge that kept audiences on the edge of their seats in the original.
The film also features blatant references to notable horror classics like Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm Street. While these moments may be seen as clever nods to genre fans, they often come off as overly familiar rather than innovative. Rather than reinvigorating the horror landscape, the homage sometimes feels like a missed opportunity to carve out a new niche within the genre.
Additionally, the shift in villain dynamics is a critical factor in the film’s overall impact.
The sequel introduces a different antagonist that, while eerie, lacks the same menacing presence as the first film’s villain. This shift alters the emotional stakes, leading to a narrative that feels more disconnected and less intense, ultimately sacrificing the visceral horror that made the first instalment feel so vital and urgent.
Despite these critiques, Black Phone 2 is still a film that deserves attention. It intricately weaves important themes of trauma and survival, addressing how the aftermath of horrifying experiences lingers, shaping one’s reality.
The strong performances, particularly from the young cast, effectively ground the narrative and provide emotional weight, even if the horror elements do not land as powerfully as hoped.
While Black Phone 2 offers a captivating glimpse into its characters’ lives and delivers moments of unsettling imagery, it misses the mark on the suspense and raw terror that fans of the original might expect.
It stands as a solid follow-up to the first film, well worth a watch for its artistic merits, but ultimately, it may leave horror enthusiasts craving the deeper thrills that the genre is known for.
Showing in cinemas from October 17, 2025.
-Dirk Lombard Fourie