The Black Phone Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A shy kid gets kidnapped, but luckily a disconnected phone becomes a hotline to dead bros who give surprisingly useful advice on how to kick the bad guy’s butt.

🍿 The Black Phone: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Abductions Begin

In 1978, North Denver is gripped by fear as children begin to disappear. A masked figure known only as ‘The Grabber,’ drives around in a black van with black balloons. Finney Blake, a shy 13-year-old, navigates school bullies and a troubled home life with his sister, Gwen, and abusive father. Gwen possesses psychic abilities, much like their deceased mother, leading her to have unsettling dreams related to the disappearances.

Finney’s Captivity

Finney is eventually abducted by The Grabber and imprisoned in a soundproof basement. The basement contains only a mattress and a disconnected black rotary phone. The Grabber tells Finney the phone is broken. Soon after, the phone begins to ring, and Finney hears voices of the Grabber’s previous victims. They offer him advice and strategies for escape, drawing upon their own failed attempts.

Gwen’s Visions

Meanwhile, Gwen uses her psychic abilities to try and locate her brother. Her dreams provide fragmented clues about Finney’s location, which she relays to the police detectives investigating the case. However, her visions are often difficult to interpret, leading to frustration and dead ends in the search. Gwen’s determination to find her brother fuels her persistence.

Failed Escape Attempts

Throughout his captivity, Finney attempts various escape plans based on the advice of the ghostly voices. Each attempt is thwarted by The Grabber’s careful planning and manipulation. The victims guide Finney to dig a tunnel, climb through a window, and unlock a door, but The Grabber anticipates each move, making the ‘game’ increasingly desperate. Finney’s resilience is tested as he faces repeated setbacks.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Finney (Mason Thames): A shy and bullied 13-year-old boy who must find courage to survive his abduction by using the help of the Grabber’s past victims.
• Gwen (Madeleine McGraw): Finney’s younger sister who possesses psychic abilities that she uses to try and locate her missing brother.
• The Grabber (Ethan Hawke): A sadistic serial child abductor and killer who terrorizes a small town in 1970s Colorado.
• Terrence (Jeremy Davies): The abusive, alcoholic father of Finney and Gwen, struggling with the loss of his wife and his own demons.
• Max (James Ransone): The coke-addicted brother of The Grabber who is unknowingly living in the same house as his brother’s horrific crimes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Robin: “Don’t let him know you’re scared.” – Robin says this to Finney before they part ways, encouraging him to be brave against the bullies, foreshadowing Finney’s later need for courage.
• The Grabber: “I have another game I want to play with you.” – The Grabber ominously says this to Finney, indicating the start of his torment and psychological manipulation.
• Vance: “You gotta fight back, Finney.” – Vance’s ghost tells Finney this on the phone, urging him to find the strength to resist The Grabber after several failed escape attempts.
• The Ghosts: “Don’t hang up.” – Said by the ghosts on the phone repeatedly, ensuring Finney doesn’t lose the connection to their help.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $18,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $90,123,230
• Worldwide Gross: $161,440,742

💥 The Black Phone Reviews

Personal Review

I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! Ethan Hawke was absolutely terrifying. I actually jumped a couple of times, which I never do! The scene where Finney first answers the phone gave me chills, and the ending made me want to stand up and cheer. The Black Phone reminded me why I love horror movies.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of supernatural horror thrillers”
  • “Viewers who appreciate coming-of-age stories with dark themes”
  • “Those interested in films set in the 1970s”
  • “Audiences who enjoy movies with strong performances from child actors”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Child abduction themes”
  • “Abusive behavior”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing images”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Derrickson masterfully builds tension, creating a truly unsettling atmosphere. While it relies on familiar horror tropes, the film’s strength lies in its compelling characters and solid performances, especially from the young leads.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Ethan Hawke delivers a chilling performance as The Grabber, making him one of the most memorable horror villains in recent years. The film is a suspenseful ride from start to finish, with a satisfying resolution.
• IGN: “A genuinely creepy and suspenseful thriller, elevated by strong performances from the cast. It’s a well-crafted horror film that knows how to build tension and deliver satisfying scares without relying too heavily on gore.

Audience Reactions

The dynamic between Finney and Gwen felt so real, like watching my own siblings argue and protect each other.: Viewers are praising the strong performances of the child actors and Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the villain.

The retro 70s vibe really added to the creepiness; made it feel like this could actually happen in a small town.: Many audiences found the movie genuinely scary and suspenseful, with creative scares rather than relying on gore.

Overall Consensus: A chilling and suspenseful horror-thriller with strong performances and a gripping storyline, though some found certain elements predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The mask worn by Ethan Hawke’s character, The Grabber, was designed by renowned special effects artist Tom Savini.”
• “Director Scott Derrickson left directing Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness to direct The Black Phone.”
• “The film is based on a short story by Joe Hill, son of Stephen King, and shares similar themes and settings with King’s work.”
• “Mason Thames’ audition for the role of Finney Blake took place over Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Black Phone?

The Black Phone is available to rent or buy on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. You can find physical copies (Blu-ray, DVD) at most major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Black Phone, you might like these similar films:

• Sinister (2012): Directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Ethan Hawke, Sinister shares a similar tone and explores themes of dread and supernatural horror.
• It (2017): Both films feature a group of children terrorized by a supernatural entity in a specific time period, and highlight themes of childhood trauma and overcoming fear.
• Prisoners (2013): Both films deal with the kidnapping of children and the desperate measures taken by those left behind, creating a tense and disturbing atmosphere.
• Room (2015): Shares the theme of captivity and the will to survive against all odds in a confined space, focusing on the psychological impact on the victim.

🛒 The Black Phone Related Products

• The Black Phone (Blu-ray): Own the chilling story on Blu-ray with bonus content, behind-the-scenes footage, and deleted scenes for a deeper dive into the movie’s creation.
• The Black Phone Mask Prop Replica: High-quality replica of The Grabber’s iconic mask. Perfect for cosplay or display. Crafted with attention to detail and made to impress.
• Black Balloon Halloween Decorations: Creepy black balloons to recreate the vibe of the movie. Spooky season decoration for parties, film nights and photo shoots. Durable and premium quality.
• Black Rotary Desk Phone: Vintage style black rotary desk phone to recreate the vibe of the movie. Retro decor for film themed rooms, film nights and parties. Durable and authentic quality.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Black Phone features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Free Ride” – performed by The Edgar Winter Group
• “Let Your Love Flow” – performed by The Bellamy Brothers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Black Phone – Let Me Explain

Curious about the backstory and hidden meanings behind The Black Phone? This video breaks it all down, giving you a deeper understanding of the movie’s chilling plot and characters.

Making Of THE BLACK PHONE – Best Of Behind The Scenes & On Set Interview With Ethan Hawke | UPI 2022

Go behind the scenes of The Black Phone and witness the magic unfold! This video gives you an exclusive peek into the production process, with interviews from the talented cast and crew.

The Cruel & Chilling Terror of THE BLACK PHONE (2022)

Dive into a thought-provoking analysis of The Black Phone’s chilling themes and impact. This video offers a fresh perspective on the movie, exploring its deeper meanings and staying with you long after you’ve finished watching.

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