The Black Phone” is a 2025 horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, based on a short story by Joe Hill
The story is set in the late 1970s and follows a young boy named Finney Shaw, played by Mason Thames. Finney lives in a troubled household with an abusive father and a caring sister, Gwen, portrayed by Madeleine McGraw.
One day, Finney is abducted by a masked man known as the Grabber (Ethan Hawke), who has been kidnapping and murdering children in the neighborhood. Finney is taken to a soundproof basement, where he discovers a black rotary phone that is disconnected. Surprisingly, he begins to receive calls on the phone from the ghosts of the Grabber’s previous victims. They share their experiences and offer him guidance on how to escape.
Throughout the film, we see Finney’s struggle to maintain hope and courage while trying to devise a plan to escape. The ghostly children provide him with clues about the Grabber’s habits and weaknesses, helping him build a strategy.
Meanwhile, Gwen, who has her own psychic abilities, is searching for her brother and experiencing vivid dreams that hint at Finney’s location.
The film explores themes of trauma, resilience, and the bond between siblings. It combines elements of psychological horror with supernatural aspects, creating a tense and gripping atmosphere.
The climax builds to a confrontation between Finney and the Grabber, leading to a tense and thrilling conclusion.
Overall, “The Black Phone” received positive reviews for its storytelling, performances, especially Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the Grabber, and its ability to blend horror with emotional depth. If you have any specific aspects you’d like to discuss further, let me know!
