Fans of the original movie “Black Phone,” directed by Scott Derrickson, were raving with excitement after he announced the release of his new project, “Black Phone 2.” 

When the original “Black Phone” hit the theaters in 2022, it became one of the best horror films despite it having a lower budget. Fans began praising its terrifying atmosphere and emotional storytelling, followed by its brilliant actors such as Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, and Madeleine McGraw. This film stood out compared to others by its supernatural mystery that other horror films had lacked in recent years.

Now, three years later, director Scott Derrickson, as well as co-writer Robert Cargill, returns with the announcement of their new project, “Black Phone 2”, reuniting their audiences with the psychotic world of the antagonist, well-known as “The Grabber,” and the two siblings who survived him. 

This latest addition was projected to be more visual, emotional, and thrilling, expanding the sequel in every direction for fans compared to the original movie. Overall, the director did not disappoint. He added to the movie all the expectations he listed, making the film ten times more scary. 

Derrickson builds on the first film’s foundation instead of simply repeating it. The story seemed to dive deeper into the trauma left behind by Finney’s (The main character)  previous experience with The Grabber in the first movie, showing how the siblings try to heal while still spooked by their past. Part two also reveals many uncovered layers to The Grabber’s twisted psychology, making him an even more unpredictable villain.

Visually, the film had a higher quality upgrade compared to the original due to the higher budget. Everything about Black Phone 2 was much more realistic, yet it captures the same gloomy tone as the original, amplifying it with bolder lighting and creative camera angles. This movie was by far more frightening than the original. Every scene feels intentionally crafted to make the audience uncomfortable in the best thrilling way possible. The use of sound plays a huge role in unease, keeping viewers tense from beginning to end. 

Freshman Ava Velazco, who is a fan of the movie, shares her opinion of the new film: “I love ‘Black Phone 2’, I think it is one of the best movies made this year,” she said.

This response highlights the true talent the actors and directors shared with the world. 

Personally, Black Phone two had me on the edge of my seat the whole two hours, and as a person who is not a fan of horror, this movie made my nerves worth it. Black Phone 2 proves that Scott Derrickson still knows how to make nightmares feel right. 

Overall, the director did not whatsoever leave us with disappointment. He delivered everything fans wanted and more heart-pounding tension, with unexpected twists, to make the horror hit even harder. He clearly understood what made the first film great and took that as an opportunity to make the second amazing and even more ambitious. The performance of returning cast members perfectly carries the emotional weight of the story, while new additions bring fresh energy to the screen.