The Black Phone (2022), directed by Scott Derrickson and based on Joe Hill’s short story, is a chilling horror film set in the 1970s. It follows young Finney Shaw, played by Mason Thames, who is kidnapped by a sadistic man known as The Grabber (Ethan Hawke). Trapped in a soundproof basement, Finney finds a disconnected black phone that lets him communicate with the spirits of the Grabber’s past victims, who offer him guidance on escaping. The film explores themes of fear, resilience, and friendship amid childhood trauma. Derrickson’s direction, along with a haunting score and strong performances—especially by Hawke—creates an unsettling atmosphere, effectively blending supernatural elements with psychological horror, making it a gripping experience for horror fans.
The Black Phone - Release Date, Trailer, Songs, Cast
Movie: | The Black Phone |
Genre: | Horror, Thriller |
Language: | English |
Director: | Scott Derrickson |
Main Cast: | Mason Thames |
Release Date: | June 24, 2022 |
Banner: | Blumhouse Productions, Scott Derrickson Productions |
Music: | Tunde Adebimpe |
Budget: | $18 million |
Runtime: | 102 minutes |
The Black Phone (2022) Movie Review
The Black Phone (2022), directed by Scott Derrickson and based on a short story by Joe Hill, is a gripping horror film about Finney Shaw (Mason Thames), a young boy kidnapped by a sadistic killer known as “The Grabber” (Ethan Hawke). While trapped in a soundproof basement, Finney discovers a black phone that enables him to communicate with the killer’s former victims, who help him devise an escape plan.
The film skillfully blends supernatural elements with a tense narrative, highlighting themes of resilience and friendship. Ethan Hawke’s chilling performance, combined with the nostalgic 1970s setting and haunting score, creates a suspenseful and emotionally impactful experience, making it a notable entry in the horror genre.