The Black Phone was the horror movie I looked forward to the most. Being directed by Scott Derickson, who brought Sinister and Doctor Strange, I anticipated this film more than Scream and Halloween Ends. And after seeing this film, I can agree it has to be one of the best horror movies of 2022. It has a lot of heart to this film than it should, and with this premise, it should be a cheesy horror movie, but with Scott Derickson on the helm, it was more than good. The jump scares were also brilliant; modern horror movies fail to make the jump scares work, but the cast, made it better. Mason Thames and Madeline McGraw acted as if their life depended on it. I did like these two kids as they make me care about them if something bad happens to them. But Ethan Hawke, man, he was terrifying as the Graber. The cast is solid and loaded with future superstars. Scott Derrickson's creepy style of filmmaking is ideally suited to the 70s serial killer genre. He breathes life into the era with a familiar classic rock soundtrack and plenty of pop culture references guaranteed to pop a smile on those acquainted with the period within which the film is set. He is also able to sprinkle in some comedic moments that land a solid chuckle without sacrificing the dark atmosphere or turning the film into a horror/comedy. Instead, it blends in realistically and naturally.
The sound design is juicy. Fantastic great music and suspense; there are countless moments where you'll be writhing with anxiety from the suspense. Not as much gore as I expected from what I've seen in the past. Did this movie a favor. The Black Phone Relied on that underlying fear of being kidnapped and what happens to those. This was honestly a movie to write home about. You will be sitting in your seat biting your nails, just waiting for what will happen. Overall this film does deliver and is already my favorite of 2022. 10/10. Perfect.
The sound design is juicy. Fantastic great music and suspense; there are countless moments where you'll be writhing with anxiety from the suspense. Not as much gore as I expected from what I've seen in the past. Did this movie a favor. The Black Phone Relied on that underlying fear of being kidnapped and what happens to those. This was honestly a movie to write home about. You will be sitting in your seat biting your nails, just waiting for what will happen. Overall this film does deliver and is already my favorite of 2022. 10/10. Perfect.