Ethan Hawke is once again donning the terrifying mask of The Grabber in the sequel to the psychological horror film The Black Phone, titled Black Phone 2. Directed by Scott Derrickson, the movie takes a new approach by delving into the dream world, where The Grabber stalks his victims, drawing comparisons to the iconic Nightmare on Elm Street series.
Plot and Reception
In
Black Phone 2, Finn, now 17, struggles with life after his captivity, while his sister Gwen begins receiving supernatural calls and visions of three boys being stalked at a winter camp called Alpine Lake. The film explores themes of trauma and the supernatural, with The Grabber haunting Gwen's dreams and causing real-world harm.
Despite its visually appealing settings and performances from
Mason Thames and
Madeleine McGraw, critics have noted that the film borrows heavily from other horror franchises, such as
Friday the 13th and
The Thing, which detracts from its originality.
Behind the Scenes
Ethan Hawke's involvement in the film is significant, even though his face is not visible due to injuries sustained in the previous film. His voice and presence continue to make The Grabber a compelling and terrifying character. Hawke recently discussed his role and the evolution of his career at New York Comic Con, highlighting the depth genre films offer in exploring deeper truths.
Future Implications
The success of
Black Phone 2 may pave the way for a third installment, potentially exploring new dimensions of The Grabber's character. However, critics hope for a fresher approach to maintain the franchise's appeal.
Sources
1. Black Phone 2 - Behind the Mask with Ethan Hawke - YouTube
2. 10 Best Obscure British Sci-Fi Shows - MovieWeb
3. Black Phone 2 (2025) - IMDb
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6. Midday Movies - Spotify for Creators
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