Movie review: ‘Black Phone 2’ is a rare horror sequel
“Black Phone 2” is an impressive sequel to a movie I didn’t love. While most horror sequels tend to fall flat and “lose the plot,” “Black Phone 2” not only expands upon the original, it continues the deep-rooted themes that guide the story.
Images courtesy of Universal
When “The Black Phone” came out a few years ago, I wasn’t as high on it as everyone else. The film had a strong central hook, an unsettling villain, and a memorable atmosphere, but it also felt a little one-note. Once the premise was clear, the story didn’t have many places to go. The tension was effective, but linear. When I saw the first trailer for “Black Phone 2,” I was not excited whatsoever. I had no idea where the filmmakers could go with this franchise or how they would do it. I’m happy to say I was utterly wrong.
“Black Phone 2” fixes the issues I had with the original almost immediately. Rather than trying to recreate the beats of the first film, the sequel expands the world in ways I didn’t expect. It builds on the lore set up in the original, pulling small details and subtle threads forward to create a more layered narrative. It doesn’t feel like a sequel made because the first movie was a hit; it feels like the creative team actually had a story worth telling, which is not the case for many sequels.
The most striking difference is the setting. While you’re primarily stuck in a basement in the first film, now in “Black Phone 2,” the film takes place at a snowed-in camp and dreamscape, yes, dreamscape. So not only does this widen the playing field, it adds a mystical aspect to the film that its predecessor set it. The tension in these new settings made the scares land harder and linger long after I got home.
Performance-wise, the cast steps up. There’s a noticeable emotional weight to the way the story unfolds, similar to the first. But there was definitely one moment that I’ll admit it had me tearing up, which was unexpected. That said, the film isn’t flawless. A handful of moments in the script fall flat, specifically in the way the kids talk when they’re being rude or calling someone names. It came off cheesy and weird. While these beats don’t derail the movie, they do stand out against an atmospheric story.
Despite that, “Black Phone 2” delivers in a way I didn’t expect. I feel like Universal and Blumhouse may have a horror franchise on their hands, but truthfully, if they didn’t make another installment in this series, I would be satisfied with ending on such a high note.
SCORE: “Black Phone 2,” 4/5
“Black Phone 2” is rated R and is in theaters now! There is no post-credit scene.
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