Finally I get to discuss this amazing movie. I saw The Black Phone at an advanced screen at the Aero an entire year ago. Immediately after viewing, I was insanely excited to put it on my list LAST October. Then they ended up bumping the movie until June of this year, so my efforts were thwarted. But now that it’s finally out for general consumption, I can actually discuss this gem that encompasses old school frights in a, dare I say it, beautiful manner. Here’s the brief synopsis from IMDB.
After being abducted by a child killer and locked in a soundproof basement, a 13-year-old boy starts receiving calls on a disconnected phone from the killer’s previous victims.
The Black Phone has everything I love about old school horror. It’s got a hero you really root for. A villain that is truly terrifying. Phenomenal acting. Suspense in spades. Pitch perfect direction. Enough, but not too many, supernatural aspects to constantly challenge you. And just the right amount of violence and shock to keep you on your toes. The Black Phone is the goldilocks of horror – the balance of everything in it turned out juuuuust right. It’s one of those horror movies that can be enjoyed by fans and non-fans of horror alike. This is one for all the masses. Plus, for the most fervent horror fans, the mask work that Tom Savini did here is top notch. It adds to the fantastic villainous creation that Ethan Hawke created. Scott Derrickson is one of my favorite directors. Sinister is STILL one of all time favorites from the last few decades. The Black Phone shows that his abilities are better than ever. This is a damn good one, folks.
Where to Watch: Peacock. And PPV.
Food/Drink Pairing: A TV dinner served on an old metal tray.
Musings of a Scary Horror Writer. 
I really enjoyed this movie. Loved the idea and how it was executed. C. Robert Cargill is one of my favorite writers (Day Zero is my favorite of his) and I love seeing his work on screen. Whether it’s horror (Sinister or Black Phone) or marvel movies (Doctor Strange), stuff he has a hand in is always enjoyable.
Completely agree on C. Robert Cargill. He was at the Black Phone Q&A with Derrickson and seemed like such a smart dude.
This movie was so wonderfully executed and well acted. So many elements that were thought of and well done. It was incredibly engaging, and had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved every minute of it. I had been waiting for the release of this film for what felt like years! And I was not disappointed. I am so glad I wasn’t!
Yep a classic.