The Black Phone (2022) - SPOILER-FREE Review
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© 2022 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. All Rights Reserved.
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Written by: Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
Starring: Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, James Ransone, Ethan Hawke
Runtime: 102 min
Synopsis: Finney (Mason Thames), a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer's previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn't happen to Finney.
© 2022 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS. All Rights Reserved.
Editor's Note: Original review was written for Firstshowing. Full article can be found below.
REVIEW SUMMARY
The Black Phone carries a horror premise with a supernatural touch full of potential, but it plays too safe by betting on a narrative that's too simple, predictable, and repetitive. Scott Derrickson elevates his work with a distinct style, and the fact that the main focus belongs to the protagonists development rather than on generic jumpscares pleases me. Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw are, without a doubt, the most impressive elements of the entire film, delivering two of the best performances by young actors of the last decade. Ethan Hawke is underused, just like his unexplored character. I recommend it, but personally, I expected something more creative.
