The Black Phone

Movie Trailer

Release Date
June 24, 2022

Genre
Horror, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Ethan Hawke as The Grabber
• Mason Thames as Finney Shaw
• Madeleine McGraw as Gwen Shaw
• Jeremy Davies as Mr. Shaw
• James Ransone as Max
• E. Roger Mitchell as Detective Wright
• Troy Rudeseal as Detective Miller

Director
Scott Derrickson

Other Movies Director is Known For

• Sinister (2012)
• Doctor Strange (2016)
• The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
• Deliver Us from Evil (2014)

Producer

• Jason Blum
• Scott Derrickson
• C. Robert Cargill

Writer

• Scott Derrickson
• C. Robert Cargill
  Based on the short story The Black Phone by Joe Hill

Budget
$18 million

Production Company

• Blumhouse Productions
• Crooked Highway
• Universal Pictures

Running Time
102 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence and disturbing images
• Child abduction
• Psychological terror
• Language throughout

Movie Story
The Black Phone is a chilling horror-thriller that plunges viewers into the nightmarish world of a small town terrorized by a masked serial killer known as “The Grabber” (Ethan Hawke). The story is set in 1978 and follows 13-year-old Finney Shaw (Mason Thames), a shy but intelligent boy who becomes The Grabber’s latest victim.

After being kidnapped, Finney finds himself trapped in a soundproof basement with a disconnected black rotary phone on the wall. Despite being cut off from the outside world, the phone mysteriously rings, and Finney soon discovers that the calls are coming from the spirits of The Grabber’s previous victims. Each of these ghostly voices shares their tragic fate and offers Finney crucial advice on how to survive and escape.

Meanwhile, Finney’s younger sister, Gwen (Madeleine McGraw), who possesses psychic abilities inherited from their late mother, begins having disturbing dreams about her brother’s situation. She works tirelessly to convince the police, led by Detectives Wright (E. Roger Mitchell) and Miller (Troy Rudeseal), to follow the clues from her visions, while their father (Jeremy Davies) struggles with his own fears and grief.

As Finney tries to piece together the information provided by the ghosts, he must overcome his own fears and use his wits to outsmart The Grabber. The film builds tension through its claustrophobic setting, eerie atmosphere, and psychological horror, leading to a suspenseful and emotionally charged climax where Finney fights for his life.

Special Effects
The special effects in The Black Phone are used sparingly but effectively to enhance the film’s atmosphere of dread and terror. The supernatural elements, including the interactions with the ghosts, are portrayed with a subtle eeriness that adds to the psychological horror. The makeup and practical effects used to create The Grabber’s unsettling appearance, combined with the film’s gritty 1970s aesthetic, contribute to a deeply immersive and frightening experience.

Box Office Performance
The Black Phone was a commercial success, grossing over $161 million worldwide. The film’s success was driven by strong word-of-mouth, positive critical reception, and Ethan Hawke’s chilling performance as The Grabber. The film stood out as one of the top horror releases of 2022.

Filming Locations

• Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
• EUE/Screen Gems Studios, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Would you like to see a magic trick?” – The Grabber
• “Someday you’re gonna have to stand up for yourself.” – Mr. Shaw
• “I made you some breakfast. What did you put in it? Salt and pepper. That’s all? What else would I put in it?” – The Grabber and Finney Shaw

Behind-the-Scenes
Scott Derrickson, returning to his horror roots after directing Doctor Strange, infused The Black Phone with a deeply personal touch, drawing from his own childhood experiences. Ethan Hawke, typically known for more heroic roles, took on the challenge of portraying the villainous Grabber, delivering a performance that was both terrifying and complex. The film’s 1970s setting was meticulously recreated, contributing to its authentic and haunting atmosphere.

Awards

• Nominated for the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film
• Nominated for the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Actor in a Horror Movie (Ethan Hawke)

Final Verdict
The Black Phone is a masterfully crafted horror film that combines supernatural elements with real-world fears to create a truly terrifying experience. Scott Derrickson’s direction, coupled with a standout performance from Ethan Hawke, makes this a must-see for horror fans. The film’s tension, atmosphere, and emotional depth set it apart as one of the most memorable horror movies of 2022.

IMDb Rating
7.0/10