Move over, Pennywise. There’s a new sadistic child killer in town – THE GRABBER – complete with an iconic costume that is sure to become a Halloween favorite.
The film is an adaptation of a 2004 short story written by Joe Hill – the son of horror writer Stephen King.
Set in 1978, The Black Phone (2022) follows a 13-year-old boy named Finney Shaw after he is abducted by a child serial killer who wears a creepy mask and drives a black van. Finney is the sixth child to be abducted in his town.
Unable to escape a dank basement dungeon, Finney receives guidance from the spirits of the previous 5 abductees who have been brutally murdered by the Grabber. Meanwhile, Finney’s loyal younger sister, Gwen, uses her gift of retrocognition/clairvoyance manifested through her dreams to assist local police in their search for the killer.
The movie isn’t especially scary for hardcore horror fans, but there were some jump scares and a few gory scenes that got the audience going in the theatrical showing I attended.
I’ve read other reviews by folks who complain that the first act takes too long, but I actually enjoyed that part of the movie more than the second and third acts. I was impressed by the acting of Mason Thames (Finney) and Madeleine McGraw (Gwen). Gwen’s cantankerous prayer to Jesus was a highlight of the movie.
Part of the first act is an exploration of parental child abuse due to alcoholism. Madeleine McGraw’s performance in that part of the movie was especially good.
I’ve never been fan of Ethan Hawke so I was worried that I wouldn’t like his character. But his full face is only scene for a few moments in the film and he pulls off the creepy performance well.
In addition to Hawke’s acting, The Grabber gets his creep-factor from the masks that were designed by the legendary Tom Savini who is known for his work on George Romero zombie flicks, Creepshow, Friday the 13th and many more horror classics.
And I was ecstatic to finally hear Pink Floyd’s creepy “On the Run” used in a horror film!!! Listen to it on YouTube.
There is no question that the movie will have a sequel. Hawke has already expressed interest in reprising his role. As with most movies of this kind, a tiny loophole is left open at the end of the film to allow for the return of the character. Though, I can’t imagine that a sequel could follow the same format with dead victims communicating with the current abductee. The story would have to be something fresh.
Got see it. It’s fun.
