All About: The Black Phone Full Movie  (2021)  Guide: Review, Plot, Cast, Ending & Ratings Explained

Looking for a movie that grips your nerves, haunts your mind, and leaves you thinking long after the credits roll? Say hello to The Black Phone—a 2021 horror-thriller that blends supernatural mystery with gut-wrenching realism. In this guide, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know: the plot, cast, ending, ratings, reviews, and more.

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Why The Black Phone Is Worth Watching

The Black Phone isn’t your typical horror flick with just ghosts and screams. It’s a tight, tense, emotionally driven thriller that genuinely surprises you. It has a throwback feel—set in the 1970s—but delivers fear in a modern way.

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What Is The Black Phone About?

Quick Plot Summary

Set in 1978, the movie follows 13-year-old Finney Blake, who gets abducted by a terrifying child-killer known only as The Grabber. Finney wakes up in a soundproof basement with one strange object—a disconnected black rotary phone. Things take a terrifying turn when the phone starts ringing. The voices on the line? They’re the previous victims of The Grabber—reaching out from beyond the grave to help Finney escape.

Creepy? You bet. But also clever, heartfelt, and full of suspense.

Genre, Setting & Tone

• Genre: Supernatural Horror / Thriller
  
• Mood: Psychological, tense, emotional
  
• Setting: Suburban Denver, 1978
  

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Official Movie Info

• Title: The Black Phone
  
• Release Date: June 24, 2022 (USA)
  
• Director: Scott Derrickson
  
• Writers: Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill, based on a short story by Joe Hill
  
• Runtime: 103 minutes
  
• Language: English
  
• MPAA Rating: R (for violence, bloody images, strong language, drug content)
  

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IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Viewer Ratings

Want the numbers? Here’s how it stacks up:

• IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
  
• Rotten Tomatoes (Critics): 81%
  
• Rotten Tomatoes (Audience): 88%
  
• Google Users: 91% liked this film
  

That’s a pretty impressive scorecard for a non-franchise horror film.

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The Cast of The Black Phone

Mason Thames as Finney Blake

Newcomer Mason Thames delivers an emotional and convincing performance as Finney. His mix of fear, bravery, and resilience pulls you in.

Ethan Hawke as The Grabber

Ethan Hawke takes a dark turn here—and wow, it works. His portrayal of The Grabber is creepy, unpredictable, and unforgettable. With a sinister mask and twisted games, he becomes one of horror’s most memorable villains.

Madeleine McGraw as Gwen Blake

Finney’s sister Gwen isn’t just a side character—she’s crucial. With psychic dreams and fierce determination, she adds heart and suspense to the story.

Other Supporting Cast

• Jeremy Davies as Terrence Blake (Finney’s abusive father)
  
• James Ransone as Max
  
• Miguel Cazarez Mora as Robin
  
• Brady Hepner, Tristan Pravong, and others play the ghostly victims
  

Each performance adds depth to this already intense tale.

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Behind the Camera: The Vision of Scott Derrickson

Director Scott Derrickson (known for Sinister and Doctor Strange) brings a personal touch here. Inspired by his own childhood in a violent neighborhood, he adds realism to the horror. This isn’t just another ghost story—it’s rooted in human pain and courage.

Cinematography, Music & Editing

• Cinematography: Gritty, vintage, and unsettling
  
• Music: Mark Korven’s eerie score adds tension without overpowering scenes
  
• Editing: Sharp, clean, and keeps the pacing just right
  

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The Black Phone Trailer Breakdown

The trailer teases the chilling mask, the haunting phone, and the brutal atmosphere—all without giving away too much. It hints at horror but reveals just enough to leave you curious. The suspenseful tone of the trailer perfectly matches the film.

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Ending Explained (Spoilers Ahead)

Finney’s Final Stand

After ghostly help and his own clever planning, Finney sets a trap. When The Grabber walks in, Finney uses the phone cord—charged with the voices of the dead—to strangle him. It’s poetic, brutal, and well-earned.

The Phone’s Supernatural Role

What’s wild is how the phone, although disconnected, lets the past victims communicate. The movie never explains the how—and it doesn’t need to. It works because it taps into your fear and imagination.

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Where to Watch The Black Phone

You can stream or rent The Black Phone on:

• Peacock
  
• Prime Video
  
• Apple TV
  
• Google Play
  

Availability may vary by region, but it’s widely accessible on most platforms.

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Is The Black Phone Based on a True Story?

Not exactly. It’s based on a short story written by Joe Hill (Stephen King’s son) from his book 20th Century Ghosts. While the plot is fictional, the realistic setting and characters make it feel eerily authentic.

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The Black Phone: Audience & Critical Reviews

Critics praised the film for its originality, storytelling, and performances—especially Ethan Hawke’s creepy-as-hell role.

What critics loved:

• Authentic 1970s vibe
  
• A villain that’s more psychological than supernatural
  
• Tight script with real stakes
  

What audiences loved:

• The chilling suspense
  
• Gwen’s psychic twist
  
• That satisfying ending
  

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Hidden Details & Easter Eggs

Let’s talk about some things you might have missed:

• The Mask: The Grabber’s mask changes to reflect his emotions—smiling, frowning, or neutral. Super subtle, super scary.
  
• The Phone Cord: The exact way the phone cord is wrapped becomes important—watch closely in early scenes.
  
• Gwen’s Dreams: They mirror her mother’s psychic abilities and play a huge role in solving the case.
  

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What Makes The Black Phone Truly Scary

This isn’t just about ghosts or serial killers. It’s about real-world fear—being trapped, silenced, and helpless. It taps into primal emotions: fear of isolation, child abuse, and the desperation to survive. That’s what sticks with you.

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Comparing The Black Phone to Other Horror Hits

• Sinister: Also by Derrickson, more intense but less emotionally driven
  
• It (2017): Similar kid-focused danger but with more fantasy elements
  
• The Sixth Sense: Shares the ghostly communication theme but less violent
  

Still, The Black Phone carves its own path with a unique mix of heart and horror.

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Is There a Sequel?

Yes! A sequel, The Black Phone 2, is officially in the works and expected to release in October 2025. The original cast is returning, including Ethan Hawke, which hints at either flashbacks or a more supernatural continuation.

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Final Verdict

The Black Phone is a modern horror gem. With standout performances, chilling visuals, and a plot that keeps you thinking, it’s more than just scary—it’s smart, emotional, and incredibly well-crafted. A must-watch for horror lovers and thriller fans alike.

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FAQs

1. What age is appropriate for The Black Phone?

Due to intense themes, strong language, and violence, it’s best suited for viewers aged 16 and up.

2. Does the phone actually have supernatural power?

Yes, in the film’s universe, the phone acts as a link between the living and the dead—never explained, but it works.

3. Is Ethan Hawke the main character?

No, he’s the villain. The main focus is on Finney and his journey to escape.

4. How scary is The Black Phone on a scale of 1–10?

Around 7/10. It’s creepy and suspenseful rather than gory or full of jump scares.

5. Was the film a box office success?

Absolutely. Made on a $16–18 million budget, it earned over $160 million globally—huge for a horror-thriller.