Hell freezes over.
This sequel isn’t better than the first film, but the imagery is consistently striking and cool (The cinematography by Par M. Ekberg is A++). The score composed by Atticus Derrickson is deliciously 80s synth influenced. Despite not making his first appearance until fifty-three minutes in and only being featured in approximately twenty one minutes and twenty five seconds of screen time, The Grabber looks cooler and is better handled here. Shame there isn’t more of him in this.
The screenplay by Scott Derrickson (who returns to direct as well) and C. Robert Cargill is pretty good, though there is the occasional instance of bad dialogue. Madeline McGraw, Mason Thames, and Ethan Hawke all return and each does a superb job. Miguel Mora does fine work as Gwen’s boyfriend, Ernesto. It’s Demian Bichir’s Mandi who most impresses out of the supporting cast. While Mason Thames’ Finn is in this film just as much as Madeline McGraw’s Gwen, at the end of the day this film is more about Gwen and their mom. Those hoping for more of a look into The Grabber’s past or backstory are going to be disappointed.
The Black Phone Two mixes together Friday the 13th and A Nightmare on Elm Street, adding in an icy winter chill to enhance the gorgeous atmosphere. This one is more of a supernatural-mystery-thriller that dives into Gwen and Finn’s mother’s history and how The Grabber might have been a presence in their family’s past. The Black Phone 2 is slowly paced, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad or weak. While it’s about as great as the first film was, I actually much prefer this sequel compared to what came before. Grab a heavy jacket, pick up the phone, and don’t fall asleep.
4 STARS
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