The Black Phone

The Black Phone is a supernatural horror duology adapted from Joe Hill's short story of the same name. The series centers on a masked serial child abductor known as the Grabber and a disconnected black rotary phone that allows the spirits of his previous victims to communicate with his latest captive, offering guidance and clues for escape. Blending psychological terror with supernatural mystery, the films explore themes of childhood resilience, trauma, and the thin veil between the living and the dead. The screen adaptations were written by Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill, who previously collaborated on the horror film Sinister, and are produced by Blumhouse Productions, known for its model of modestly budgeted, high-concept horror.

The first entry, released in 2022, was praised for its atmospheric tension, strong performances from its young cast, and Ethan Hawke's unsettling portrayal of the antagonist. It grounds its supernatural premise in a period setting that evokes a sense of nostalgic dread, tapping into classic horror traditions of isolated settings, imperiled children, and vengeful spirits. The black phone itself serves as a powerful symbol of connection and hope amid despair, transforming a mundane object into a conduit for the supernatural.

A sequel, Black Phone 2, is scheduled for release in 2025, continuing the story and expanding the series' exploration of its central themes. As a duology, the collection maintains a focused narrative while building on the foundation of its source material and the creative team's signature blend of character-driven horror.