Get ready for a chilling cinematic experience as we dive into the world of Black Phone 2, now available digitally! But here's the twist: this sequel has a lot more to offer than meets the eye.
In 2021, the film industry was captivated by the adaptation of Joe Hill's short story, 'The Black Phone'. Directed by Scott Derrickson, this movie seemed like a self-contained tale, yet it achieved remarkable success, grossing over $160 million worldwide on a modest budget of $16 million. Fast forward to October 17th, and 'Black Phone 2' hit the big screens, captivating audiences once again. Over the past few weeks, the film has accumulated an impressive $100 million in global box office receipts, and now, it's finally available digitally!
To celebrate this digital release, we've got an exclusive treat for you - a behind-the-scenes featurette clip! You can check it out above, and trust me, it's a must-watch for any fan of the franchise.
Derrickson, along with C. Robert Cargill, wrote the screenplay for both the original and its sequel. They've crafted a compelling narrative that continues the story of Finney Shaw, a young boy who finds himself in a terrifying situation. The first film introduced us to Finney, a shy but resourceful 13-year-old, who is abducted by a sadistic killer and held captive in a soundproof basement. When a disconnected phone rings, he discovers a connection to the killer's past victims, who are determined to protect him. If you're curious about the original source material, Joe Hill's short story can be found in his collection '20th Century Ghosts'.
'Black Phone 2' sees the return of some familiar faces, including Mason Thames as Finney Shaw and Madeleine McGraw as his sister, Gwen. Jeremy Davies and Miguel Mora also reprise their roles, with Mora taking on a new character named Ernesto. The iconic Ethan Hawke returns as the child-killer, The Grabber, a role he's known for from the first film. New cast members include Demián Bichir, Arianna Rivas, and Anna Lore, adding fresh energy to the story.
The official synopsis from Blumhouse teases a thrilling sequel: 'Ethan Hawke reprises his sinister role as The Grabber, seeking vengeance from beyond the grave. As Finn, now 17, struggles with his past captivity, his younger sister, Gwen, receives disturbing calls in her dreams from the black phone. She embarks on a mission to solve the mystery, leading her and Finn to uncover a shocking connection between The Grabber and their family's history.'
The digital release of 'Black Phone 2' comes packed with bonus features, including deleted scenes, a cast spotlight, and a look at the incredible creative and technical efforts that went into bringing this chilling thriller to life. There's also a feature commentary with director, co-writer, and producer Scott Derrickson, offering valuable insights into the making of the film.
JoBlo's Ryan Cultrera reviewed the film, giving it a solid 7/10 rating. While he acknowledged that it wasn't as fresh as its predecessor, he still praised its overall quality. You can read his full review for a deeper dive into the film's strengths and weaknesses.
So, will you be giving 'Black Phone 2' a watch now that it's easily accessible digitally? Take a look at our exclusive featurette, and don't forget to share your thoughts in the comments! And this is the part most people miss: the sequel often has a different flavor, so be prepared for a unique cinematic experience! What are your thoughts on the potential twists and turns 'Black Phone 2' might offer? Let's discuss in the comments!