MOVIE NEWS – Critics say the highly anticipated sequel not only lives up to its predecessor but may become one of the best horror films of all time. Black Phone 2 brings supernatural nightmares to a new level, with Ethan Hawke’s legendary performance returning to the screen.

Marcos Melendez, an entertainment journalist active since 2017 whose work has appeared in Collider, Escapist, ScreenRant, CBR, and Full Circle Cinema, is currently a news editor for MovieWeb. Ahead of its mid-October release, Black Phone 2 reviews are in, and the verdict is clear. Director Scott Derrickson reunites with original stars Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Ethan Hawke to deliver nightmares like never before — with the infamous Grabber returning from the dead to terrorize your dreams.

The film currently holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 9 reviews. Most praise Derrickson’s direction and the cast’s performances. Slashfilm highlighted how the sequel expands on the original’s concept and transforms the Grabber into an “undead nightmare.” Slant Magazine noted: “Scott Derrickson collapses dreams, reality, past, and present into a single cinematic haunted space.” If the trailer gave you Freddy Krueger vibes, that’s no coincidence — the reference is deliberate.

While horror sequels often fail to surpass the original, Black Phone 2 seems to buck the trend, surpassing its predecessor’s 81% rating. io9 called it “excellent” and “a rare sequel that outshines its predecessor,” blending fear and emotion into one gut punch. But Why Tho? stated the story matures with its characters, introducing “supernatural fear” that better reflects their current lives. “The original offered simplicity for its young characters, while Black Phone 2 brings supernatural fear and higher stakes to match where they are now. Not every sequel works — but this one does.”

What Is Black Phone 2 About?

The story takes place four years after the first film. Mason Thames returns as Finney, Madeleine McGraw reprises her role as Gwen, and Ethan Hawke once again plays the terrifying Grabber. Although Finney killed his captor, the Grabber now returns to haunt Gwen’s dreams, as she uses her supernatural gift to glimpse the future. The cast also includes Demián Bichir (The Nun), Arianna Rivas (A Working Man), Miguel Mora (Black Phone), Jeremy Davies (Lost), Maev Beaty (Beau Is Afraid), and Graham Abbey (Under the Banner of Heaven).

Official synopsis: Four years ago, 13-year-old Finney killed his abductor and escaped, becoming the sole survivor. But true evil transcends death… and the phone is ringing again. Four-time Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke returns to his most sinister role as the Grabber seeks revenge on Finney (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave, tormenting his younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). While 17-year-old Finney struggles to cope with his trauma, Gwen begins receiving disturbing calls and visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp called Alpine Lake.

Determined to solve the mystery and end the torment for them both, Gwen convinces Finney to travel to the camp during a winter storm. There, they uncover a dark secret linking the Grabber to their family’s past. Together, they must face a killer who has grown more powerful — and far more personal — in death than they ever imagined.

Source: MovieWeb