The Verdict
"Taking the consequences of its predecessor seriously,Black Phone 2is a chilling sequel that mines memorable scares and thought-provoking themes from the scars that linger."
"The haunting mythos prevails onBlack Phone 2, a chilling sequel that strongly resonates with fans of the original while delivering a satisfying narrative payoff."
Movie Review and Other Insights
Black Phone 2 is a visionary Horror, Mystery & Thriller film directed by the acclaimed Scott Derrickson (Jason Blum). Released in theaters on Oct 17, 2025, Wide, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Blumhouse Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures, the film features a runtime of 1h 54m.
The story follows four years ago, 13-year-old Finn killed his abductor and escaped, becoming the sole survivor of The Grabber. But true evil transcends death... and the phone is ringing again. Four-time Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn's younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, the headstrong 15-year-old Gwen begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake. Determined to solve the mystery and end the torment for both her and her brother, Gwen persuades Finn to visit the camp during a winter storm. There, she uncovers a shattering intersection between The Grabber and her own family's history. Together, she and Finn must confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine. Leading the cast are star performers Scott Derrickson, Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated R for Language|Gore|Strong Violent Content|Teen Drug Use, Black Phone 2 delivers a audio experience presented in a Digital 2.39:1 aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "Taking the consequences of its predecessor seriously,Black Phone 2is a chilling sequel that mines memorable scares and thought-provoking themes from the scars that linger."
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Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"They took the win away from the first movie and, frankly, it makes me mad."
"The worst thing the script, written by Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, does is rely relentlessly on references to the Nightmare on Elm Street saga that end up looking more like imitations than homages. [Full review in Spanish]"
"Even if it doesn’t all quite work, this is a creepily inventive shocker that grows in mournful power as it moves along."
"Incredibly well crafted, even as it wears its influences on its sleeve, and it does a solid job of expanding its lore outward while developing its legacy characters (two essential tasks of any burgeoning horror franchise)."
"Despite falling short of its predecessor, it still contains several unnerving moments, and an iconic new horror icon whose lore is expanded without ruining his mystique."
"Director Scott Derrickson and his co-writing team return to create a film that’s equally creepy, while also successfully reimagining a classic horror technique."
Audience Reviews
A great sequel that has a satisfying conclusion to beating the Grabber!
fantastic movie it's very nightmare on elm street but it still has some original ideas
Awesome!! Must see!!
Loved this one just as much as the first
Diving deep into the history of the most sadistic serial killer while engaging his spirit brings the movie to the right direction. Excellent performance by the antagonistic bringing his character to a more terrifying heights.
Had a few jump scares. Great movie
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Black Phone 2 released?
Black Phone 2 hit theaters on Oct 17, 2025, Wide. It became available for streaming on Nov 4, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 1h 54m. It falls under the Horror, Mystery & Thriller genre, featuring a sound mix in .
Who is the director of Black Phone 2?
The movie is directed by Scott Derrickson. The script was penned by Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill.
Who are the main actors in Black Phone 2?
The top billed cast includes:
- Scott Derrickson as Director
- Ethan Hawke as Grabber
- Mason Thames as Finn
- Madeleine McGraw as Gwen
- Demián Bichir as Mando
Why is Black Phone 2 rated R?
It is rated R (Language|Gore|Strong Violent Content|Teen Drug Use)
Which studio produced the movie?
Black Phone 2 was produced by Blumhouse Productions and distributed worldwide by Universal Pictures.
About the movie
NEWFour years ago, 13-year-old Finn killed his abductor and escaped, becoming the sole survivor of The Grabber. But true evil transcends death... and the phone is ringing again. Four-time Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke returns to the most sinister role of his career as The Grabber seeks vengeance on Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave by menacing Finn's younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). As Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, the headstrong 15-year-old Gwen begins receiving calls in her dreams from the black phone and seeing disturbing visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake. Determined to solve the mystery and end the torment for both her and her brother, Gwen persuades Finn to visit the camp during a winter storm. There, she uncovers a shattering intersection between The Grabber and her own family's history. Together, she and Finn must confront a killer who has grown more powerful in death and more significant to them than either could imagine.
- Director
- Scott Derrickson
- Producers
- Jason Blum, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
- Screenwriter
- Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
- Distributor
- Universal Pictures
- Production
- Blumhouse Productions
- Genre
- Horror, Mystery & Thriller
- Release Date
- Oct 17, 2025, Wide
- Run Time
- 1h 54m
- Rating
- R
- Aspect Ratio
- Digital 2.39:1