3 Reasons why The Black Phone is one of 2022s best horror films

It’s been said before and it will continue to be said, Blumhouse Pictures are one of the best studios in Hollywood. Producer Jason Blum really understands what horror is. His story’s have depth, not only scaring audiences but leaving lasting impacts and thought-provoking messages long after the credits roll. Writer/Director Scott Derickson, who left a lasting imprint the first time he teamed up with Jason Blum, with 2012’s ‘Sinister’, re-teams with him again for the 2022 adaptation of Joe Hill’s novel ‘The Black Phone’. ‘The Black Phone’ tells the story of Finney (played by Mason Thames), who has been kidnapped by notorious serial killer ‘The Grabber’ (played by Ethan Hawke). Stuck in a basement, Finney begins to receive help from a mysterious Black phone found in the basement, with the voices of the children who have fallen victim to the Grabber previously, helping Finney find a way out. This is by far one of 2022s best horror films, with great characters, a great plot and wonderful performances. To celebrate the film's release on physical media this week, I will be breaking down the 3 reasons why ‘The Black phone’ is one of 2022s best horror films. So, without further ado, let’s do this!

The characters and cast – One of the strongest elements of ‘The Black Phone’, is the characters. The two standouts being the two siblings, Finney and Gwen, played respectively by Mason Thames and Madeleine McGraw. The two performances here are top tier, with concerned sister Gwen being my favourite of the two. Without giving anything away, there’s more to this character than meets the eye. McGraw does a wonderful job here, giving a haunting and realistic portrayal of someone who is fearful for their brother’s life, doing everything in her power to find him. McGraw is a sensation here and I can’t wait to see her tackle more productions. One of the biggest standouts though is the film’s villain, ‘The Grabber’ played superbly by Ethan Hawke. He is terrifying in this film, not only in his appearance, wearing some wonderfully designed masks by Hollywood special effects expert, Tom Savini, but also in his mannerisms and actions. Every time he was on screen, I wanted to cover my eyes, but simultaneously I couldn’t take my eyes off him. The mark of a truly wonderful performance.

The atmosphere – One of the strongest elements of Scott Derrickson’s direction is the way he is able to create atmosphere. Sinister remains to be one of the most atmospheric films in recent years, whilst never really leaving a single location. He brings that to table here again in ‘The Black Phone’, as we are once again spending nearly 90 minutes in a singular location. The location being that of a dirty, basement, with minimal light, and very limited mise-en-scene. The minimal set dressing adds to the atmosphere of the film, as we really feel for Finney stuck in these conditions, but we’re also terrified that we are going to see little ghost kids pop out from the darkened edges of the frame. The atmosphere of the film is also heightened by the 1970s aesthetic. At this point the 1980s and 1990s have been done to death, so it was refreshing going even further back to the 1970s. The Black Phone is shot on film, which also adds to this aesthetic, giving to a simple, dirty and grainy look. Mark Korven’s electrifying and chilling score also adds to the feel of this film, as he brings an unsettling and gothic feel to this story.

The story – Another unique element of Scott Derrickson’s filmography, is his ability to ground the supernatural in reality. He did this in ‘Sinister’, by having a criminal investigation of unsolved murders at the core of the film, with the supernatural elements, amplifying the horror. Similarly, he did it in 2014s ‘Deliver Us From Evil’, having real-life casefiles propel the story and in ‘Exorcism of Emily Rose’, with a court drama, at the focal point of the film. He does this again in ‘The Black Phone’ by having the supernatural elements of the voices and ghosts that are speaking to Finney through the black phone as a background element, to the very real abductions by The Grabber. These elements blend seamlessly together, as there is no explanation to the supernatural elements of the film, they’re just happening and we as an audience are meant to go with that. Usually have an issue with it, but the simplicity of the story in ‘The Black Phone’ allows me to get on board with what’s happening. At its core, the film is really a coming-of-age story, just told to the backdrop of a horror film and that’s what makes it so good!

‘The Black Phone’ is easily one of 2022s best films, not just horror films. It's well-acted, superbly directed and downright creepy. It’s the perfect movie to get you in the mood for Halloween, but afterwards, you may want to lock your doors and keep your lights on. ‘The Black Phone is now available to buy on DVD and Blu-Ray collector’s edition. Head on over to your local Sanity or online to secure your copy today, you won’t want to miss this one! 

Buy The Black Phone on DVD or Blu-ray here!

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here