The Black Phone (2022)
A kidnapped boy, a disconnected phone, and the voices of the dead — Scott Derrickson's supernatural horror delivers relentless dread.
The Black Phone - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Black Phone
- Release Year: 2022
- Directed by: Scott Derrickson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 43m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: Spanish, English, Portuguese
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 22, 2022 (France - 12), June 24, 2022 (United States - R), June 24, 2022 (Canada - 14A), June 24, 2022 (United Kingdom - 15), June 23, 2022 (Germany - 16), June 30, 2022 (Australia - MA15+), June 23, 2022 (Brazil - 16), June 23, 2022 (Mexico - B-15), June 23, 2022 (Italy - VM14), June 24, 2022 (Spain - 16), September 7, 2022 (South Korea - 15)
- Alternative Titles: טלפון שחור (IL), Black Phone (US), 接駕靈聲 (HK), O Telefone Negro (PT), Qara Telefon (AZ), Telefono Negro (ES), ブラック・フォン (JP), Czarny telefon (PL)
- Production Companies: Blumhouse Productions, Crooked Highway, Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Black Phone - Plot
Finney Blake, a shy but clever 13-year-old boy, is abducted by a sadistic killer and trapped in a soundproof basement where screaming is of little use. When a disconnected phone on the wall begins to ring, Finney discovers that he can hear the voices of the killer's previous victims. And they are dead set on making sure that what happened to them doesn't happen to Finney.
The Black Phone - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the terror that awaits:
Never talk to strangers.
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The Black Phone - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Scott Derrickson
Main Cast
- Mason Thames
- Madeleine McGraw
- Ethan Hawke
- Jeremy Davies
- E. Roger Mitchell
- Troy Rudeseal
- James Ransone
- Miguel Mora
- Rebecca Clarke
- J. Gaven Wilde
Writers
- Scott Derrickson
- C. Robert Cargill
Producers
- Jason Blum
- C. Robert Cargill
- Scott Derrickson
The Black Phone - FAQs
Is The Black Phone based on a true story?
The Black Phone is not based on a true story. It is adapted from a 2004 short story by Joe Hill published in his collection Twentieth Century Ghosts. While the film draws on real fears around child abduction and serial killers, the supernatural telephone element and all characters are entirely fictional.
Where can you stream The Black Phone?
The Black Phone is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It is also available on YouTube TV and USA Network. For digital rental or purchase, it can be found on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
What does the ending of The Black Phone mean?
In the ending, Finney uses the combined guidance of the Grabber's previous victims to overpower and kill his captor, escaping the basement. The conclusion affirms themes of resilience and solidarity: the dead boys ensure Finney survives where they could not, giving their suffering lasting meaning and purpose.
Who plays the Grabber in The Black Phone?
Ethan Hawke plays the Grabber, the sadistic serial killer who abducts children in 1970s Colorado. Hawke delivers a chilling, largely masked performance that critics widely praised as one of his most unsettling roles, bringing menace and unpredictability to the film's central villain.
What is The Black Phone rated and why?
The Black Phone is rated R by the MPA. The rating reflects the film's depictions of child abduction, violence, disturbing psychological content, and some language. Parents should be aware the film centers on the kidnapping and endangerment of children, making it unsuitable for younger audiences.
Who directed The Black Phone and what is it about?
Scott Derrickson directed The Black Phone. The film follows Finney Blake, a 13-year-old abducted by a masked killer and held in a soundproof basement. A disconnected phone begins ringing with voices of the killer's dead victims, who guide Finney toward survival in this supernatural horror thriller.
How long is The Black Phone?
The Black Phone has a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes (103 minutes). The film maintains a taut, focused pace throughout, balancing its supernatural horror elements with a grounded 1970s period setting and strong character development centered on Finney and his sister Gwen.
Did The Black Phone receive positive reviews from critics?
Yes, The Black Phone earned strong critical praise. On Rotten Tomatoes it holds an 83% approval rating, with reviewers highlighting Ethan Hawke's performance, the film's atmospheric tension, and its emotional depth. Many critics called it one of the better Blumhouse horror productions, praising its period setting and character-driven story.
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