The highly anticipated horror sequel, The Black Phone 2, has premiered to rave reviews ahead of its October 17, 2025 theatrical release, with renowned author Stephen King among its enthusiastic supporters. King expressed his admiration on Twitter, stating,
“It’s not as good as the first one. IT’S BETTER.”
Stephen King praises Black Phone’s follow-up as an elevated horror experience.
Critical reception aligns with King’s praise. Meagan Navarro from Bloody Disgusting remarked,
“Black Phone 2 surpasses its predecessor in just about every way,”
while Gizmodo’s Germain Lussier called it,
“The first film was certainly solid, but this one is excellent. The rare sequel that outshines its predecessor.”
These endorsements set high expectations for director Scott Derrickson’s continuation of the story, which debuted at Fantastic Fest 2025.
Visual Style and Story Developments Highlighted by Reviewers
Many reviewers have underscored the film’s distinctive dream-like aesthetics, showcased in its eerie trailer. Rocco T. Thompson of Slant Magazine observed,
“Derrickson collapses dreams, reality, past, and present sidelong into a singular cinematic haunted space,”
capturing the film’s blurred boundaries between realms.
Moreover, Rafael Motamayor from Slashfilm noted,
“The Black Phone 2 avoids retreading the first movie, pivoting to an awesome Dream Warriors-esque story.”
This fresh narrative direction shifts the focus toward a new supernatural adventure, expanding the universe without revisiting old territory.
Standout Performances by the Returning and New Cast Members
The film also draws acclaim for its cast, particularly Ethan Hawke’s portrayal of the chilling antagonist, The Grabber. Despite his character’s apparent demise in the first film, Hawke’s return intensifies the suspense. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com likened Hawke’s menacing role to Freddy Krueger, enhancing the sequel’s horror legacy.
Tessa Smith from Mama’s Geeky praised the performances of the young leads, saying,
“Madeleine McGraw & Mason Thames deliver career-best performances.”
The story centers on 17-year-old Finn (Thames) and his psychic 15-year-old sister Gwen (McGraw), who become embroiled in sinister events at a winter camp after Gwen experiences disturbing visions involving three boys and The Grabber.
Mixed Opinions and Plot Overview
Despite widespread acclaim, not all reactions are positive. Sean Boelman of FandomWire cautioned that the sequel may not leave as strong a mark as its predecessor, describing it as
“unlikely to be as memorable as its predecessor.”
The Black Phone 2 is set four years after the original, following Finn and Gwen as they confront new threats tied to psychic visions and a haunting past. The snowy camp setting provides a chilling backdrop to the evolving horror, weaving suspenseful elements with supernatural mystery.
Anticipation Builds for the Next Chapter in Horror
With Stephen King’s rare praise and glowing critical response, The Black Phone 2 is positioned as one of the most exciting horror releases of 2025. Its innovative visuals, strong performances, and a story that deepens the mythology suggest a promising addition to the genre. As audiences await its arrival in theaters, this sequel could redefine expectations for horror follow-ups in the coming spooky season.
It’s not as good as the first one.
IT’S BETTER. pic.twitter.com/bEzI6BLeZ9— Stephen King (@StephenKing) September 22, 2025
