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'Black Phone 2' Review: A Hauntingly Strong Sequel that Channels Its Inner Freddy Krueger

The sequel explores Finney and Gwen's psychic struggles and supernatural dangers at Alpine Lake, with the Grabber returning as a menacing presence, expanding the original's chilling lore.

  • This year, Black Phone 2 opened in theaters timed for Halloween, with Scott Derrickson directing the sequel after Joe Hill's original hit made a follow-up inevitable.
  • Focusing inward, the sequel expands the franchise's lore and backstory, centering on Gwen as her psychic abilities grow stronger.
  • Investigating, Gwen and Finney travel to Alpine Lake with Ernesto , as Gwen hallucinates past victims and suffers real injuries.
  • Critics say the sequel mostly works despite reservations, calling it a rare exception that succeeds with the Grabber more menacing and supernatural chills, though pacing in the film's third act falters.
  • The film's atmosphere and sound design deepen its horror credentials, with Super 8–style dream sequences and the snowy Alpine Lake setting creating a chilling tone this year.
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What Black Phone lacked, its sequel more than makes up for. The original film, despite its announced horror, more or less fell into the psychological thriller genre. In the sequel, which is currently in theaters, director and screenwriter Scott Derrickson served up the exact opposite. The film is full of blood, violence, and the anguish of a snow-covered, isolated location.

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Popternative broke the news in on Thursday, October 16, 2025.
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