I watched The Black Phone and I liked it. 3.5/5
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“The Black Phone,” directed by Scott Derrickson, is a chilling exploration of the intersection between supernatural terror and human resilience. Adapted from a short story by Joe Hill, the film weaves a tale of a kidnapped boy who discovers a mysterious phone that connects him to the spirits of the dead. While the film’s eerie atmosphere and Ethan Hawke’s compelling performance stand out, it occasionally stumbles in its execution, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
One of the film’s standout features is its masterful creation of a foreboding atmosphere. Derrickson skillfully utilizes shadow and light to generate a palpable sense of dread that permeates every frame. The desolate basement where the protagonist, Finney, is held captive becomes a haunting character in itself, enhancing the film’s sense of impending doom. This atmospheric tension is further heightened by a hauntingly evocative score, expertly composed to accentuate the film’s eerie ambiance.
Ethan Hawke delivers a tour de force performance as the enigmatic abductor, who dons a variety of disguises to conceal his true identity. Hawke imbues his character with an unsettling blend of charm and malevolence, creating a villain who is as captivating as he is terrifying. His portrayal of a man teetering on the edge of madness is both chilling and nuanced, elevating the film’s narrative. Hawke’s presence is undeniably one of the film’s greatest strengths.
“The Black Phone” delves into the realm of the supernatural, offering a unique twist on the traditional ghost story. Through Finney’s encounters with the spirits of the deceased children, the film explores themes of trauma, grief, and the afterlife. These spectral interactions are poignant and emotionally charged, adding depth to the narrative. The film effectively blurs the line between the corporeal and the ethereal, leaving viewers questioning the boundaries of reality.
While “The Black Phone” excels in establishing a tense atmosphere, it occasionally falters in pacing and plot development. The film’s middle act grapples with uneven pacing, with certain sequences feeling slightly drawn out. This can disrupt the otherwise immersive experience, momentarily pulling viewers out of the film’s sinister world. Additionally, the narrative introduces elements that are intriguing but ultimately under explored, leaving certain plot points feeling unresolved.
Beneath its supernatural facade, “The Black Phone” is, at its core, a story of resilience and the strength of the human spirit. Finney’s journey from victim to survivor is portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity. His resourcefulness and determination to outsmart his captor lend the film a gratifying undercurrent of empowerment. This theme of resilience provides a compelling counterbalance to the film’s darker elements.
In its attempt to strike a poignant chord, “The Black Phone” occasionally verges on sentimentality. While the film’s emotional beats are earnest, they can border on melodrama, potentially eliciting mixed reactions from viewers. However, this earnestness also imbues the film with a sense of heart, underscoring the emotional stakes at play.
In conclusion, “The Black Phone” is a haunting thriller that showcases Derrickson’s adeptness at crafting atmospheric horror. Ethan Hawke’s magnetic performance and the film’s exploration of the supernatural lend it a compelling edge. Despite occasional missteps in pacing and plot development, the film succeeds in delivering a visceral and emotionally resonant experience. For those seeking a blend of chilling terror and poignant storytelling, “The Black Phone” offers a captivating journey into the unknown.