The Black Phone (2021), directed by Scott Derrickson and produced by Blumhouse, is a chilling supernatural horror film adapted from Joe Hill’s short story of the same name. With its 1970s suburban setting, menacing villain, and unique blend of psychological terror and paranormal elements, the movie quickly gained critical and commercial success. As audiences prepare for Black Phone 2, it’s the perfect time to revisit the full story, dissect the ending, and explore how the narrative sets up the upcoming sequel.
In This Post:
The Black Phone Full Story Recap
The Setting and Characters
The film is set in 1978 North Denver, where the community is being terrorized by a masked serial child abductor known as “The Grabber,” portrayed by Ethan Hawke. The protagonist, 13-year-old Finney Blake (Mason Thames), lives with his younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) and their abusive, alcoholic father. Finney is shy but intelligent, while Gwen has inherited psychic abilities from their late mother, who suffered from visions that drove her to suicide.
The Abductions Begin
The movie begins with a wave of abductions. Local boys, including Finney’s friend Robin and another boy Bruce, mysteriously vanish. Gwen starts having disturbing dreams that seem to offer clues about the missing children. Meanwhile, Finney tries to survive the challenges of school bullies and his troubled home life.
Finney Gets Taken
Finney himself is eventually abducted by The Grabber, who lures him into a black van and traps him in a soundproof basement. The basement contains nothing but a disconnected rotary phone mounted on the wall. Despite being unplugged, the phone begins to ring. When Finney answers, he hears the voices of The Grabber’s previous victims.
The Voices of the Dead
Each phone call reveals more about The Grabber’s tactics and weaknesses. The dead boys provide Finney with advice, strategies, and even tools to attempt escape. For example, one child guides him to dig a hole; another tells him about a loose tile; another instructs him to use a cord as a weapon. These spectral interventions gradually empower Finney, giving him the courage he initially lacked.
Gwen’s Visions
While Finney struggles in captivity, Gwen continues to dream of the house where her brother is being held. Her psychic visions, combined with police investigations, narrow down The Grabber’s location. These parallel storylines heighten the suspense as the clock ticks toward Finney’s possible death.
The Climax
The Grabber, wearing a variety of eerie masks, toys with Finney but underestimates the boy’s resolve. Guided by the spirits of the murdered children, Finney sets a deadly trap using the cord, hole, and phone. In the final confrontation, he uses the black phone’s receiver as a weapon, strangling The Grabber with the help of the spirits who taunt their killer from beyond.
The Ending
Finney kills The Grabber and walks out of the house just as Gwen arrives with the police. The siblings are reunited, and Finney’s transformation is complete: once timid and insecure, he now emerges as strong, resourceful, and courageous. The movie closes with Finney returning to school, no longer the boy who was bullied but someone respected for his newfound strength.
Themes and Symbolism
- The Black Phone itself is a metaphor for connection between the living and the dead, a channel of hope and empowerment.
- Gwen’s visions represent inherited trauma but also resilience, suggesting the power of intuition and familial bonds.
- Finney’s journey mirrors the universal struggle of overcoming fear, finding inner strength, and refusing to be defined by victimhood.
How the Ending Connects to Black Phone 2?
Universal and Blumhouse have already confirmed that Black Phone 2 is in development, slated for release in 2025. The ending of the first movie leaves several open threads that the sequel can expand:
- The Grabber’s Legacy – Although The Grabber is killed, his mythology remains powerful. Could there be another figure tied to him, or could the supernatural phone continue to ring with new voices?
- The Black Phone as a Conduit – Since the spirits used the phone to empower Finney, the device itself may play a central role in the sequel. It could connect to new victims, new killers, or even Gwen’s psychic powers.
- Gwen’s Visions – Her gift is only partially explored in the first film. In Black Phone 2, her abilities may evolve, allowing her to see not just kidnappings but deeper truths about the afterlife.
- The Survivors’ Trauma – Finney may face long-term consequences of his ordeal. The sequel could delve into how he copes with the psychological scars, especially if new dangers emerge.
- Expansion of the Mythos – Joe Hill’s short story is limited, but the cinematic universe can expand. Expect more backstory on The Grabber, potential copycat abductors, or new supernatural entities tied to the black phone.
What to Expect in Black Phone 2?
- A Darker Tone: With the foundation laid, the sequel could be scarier and more violent.
- New Villains or Supernatural Threats: The Grabber may not return physically, but his presence could linger in new forms.
- More Screen Time for Gwen: Her psychic visions make her a natural lead character in the sequel.
- Expansion Beyond Denver: The mythology of the black phone might spread to new locations or victims.
- Deeper Exploration of the Afterlife: The sequel might show more of the ghostly realm where the victims exist, strengthening the supernatural lore.
Conclusion
The Black Phone stands out as a modern horror masterpiece because it combines supernatural scares with emotional storytelling. Its ending resolves Finney’s arc but leaves room for a larger mythos to unfold. As Black Phone 2 approaches, fans can expect more chilling phone calls, expanded supernatural elements, and a deeper dive into the psychological and paranormal aftermath of The Grabber’s reign of terror.
For horror fans, the black phone will ring again—and this time, the message may be even darker.
More Trending Stories:
Leave a Reply