The Black Phone (2021) is one of the most chilling supernatural horror‑thriller films of its release year, blending horror, mystery, and supernatural elements. Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Mason Thames and Ethan Hawke, this English‑language film was released on June 24, 2022.
Movie Overview
A gripping supernatural horror‑thriller based on Joe Hill’s short story, “The Black Phone” tells the tale of 13‑year‑old Finney Blake, who is abducted by a serial child killer known as “The Grabber.” Held captive in a soundproof basement, Finney discovers a mysterious disconnected black phone through which he can hear the voices of the Grabber’s previous victims—ranging from spectral whispers of warning to guidance for escape. The story deftly blends paranormal suspense with a deeply emotional portrayal of trauma, resilience, and sibling bonds.
Attribute Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | The Black Phone |
| Genre | Horror, Supernatural, Mystery, Thriller |
| Language | English |
| Release Date | June 24, 2022 (United States theatrical release) |
| Director | Scott Derrickson |
| Writer | Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill (screenplay); based on short story by Joe Hill |
Production & Background
The film was adapted from Joe Hill’s 2004 short story and developed into a screenplay by Scott Derrickson and C. Robert Cargill :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}. Derrickson drew upon his rough upbringing in 1970s suburban Denver to imbue the setting with authenticity and emotional depth :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}. The villain’s mask—created in collaboration with legendary special-effects artist Tom Savini—featured exaggerated eyes and a haunting design that enhanced the unsettling atmosphere :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Cast & Crew Highlights
- Mason Thames as Finney Blake
- Madeleine McGraw as Gwen Blake (Finney’s clairvoyant sister)
- Ethan Hawke as The Grabber (the masked child killer)
- Jeremy Davies as Terrence
- James Ransone as Max
The film was produced by Jason Blum, Scott Derrickson, and C. Robert Cargill, under Blumhouse Productions and Crooked Highway, and distributed by Universal Pictures :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Cinematography by Brett Jutkiewicz, editing by Frédéric Thoraval, and a haunting score by Mark Korven completed the creative team :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
Reception
Critically acclaimed, “The Black Phone” was praised for its atmospheric tension, emotional weight, and strong performances—particularly from Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and Ethan Hawke :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. It premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2021 before a wide theatrical release on June 24, 2022, grossing over $161 million worldwide on a $16–18 million budget :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
Entertainment Weekly highlighted its supernatural horror throwback with a nostalgic analog vibe, commending Hawke’s menacing performance and the film’s effective jump scares despite some plot inconsistencies :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}. Rotten Tomatoes reports an 81% critic score and 88% audience score, describing it as a “well‑acted, entertaining adaptation of scarily good source material” :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
Conclusion
“The Black Phone” stands out as a modern horror classic: a tight, emotionally resonant supernatural thriller that delivers scares as much through psychological dread as overt horror. With a strong creative team, memorable performances, and a powerful central metaphor—the disconnected black phone—it’s one of the most enduring horror entries of the early 2020s.
The Black Phone
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