Opened: June 24, 2022

Directed by: Scott Derrickson

Starring: Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Ethan Hawke, Jeremy Davies, E. Roger Mitchell, Troy Rudeseal, James Ransone, Miguel Cazarez Mora, Tristan Pravong, Jacob Moran, Banks Repeta & Brady Hepner

Though there are supernatural elements involved – including the titular black phone – what makes The Black Phone scary is that it’s a very plausible storyline.

The Grabber (Ethan Hawke) has been terrorizing a Denver suburb by abducting young boys. When Finney Blake (Mason Thames) is kidnapped, her begins hearing the voices of the previous boys on a black phone in the basement he’s held in. His sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw) uses her dreams to help find Finney.

Hawke gives a truly terrifying performance with most of his face being hidden throughout most of the film by several frightening masks. Thames and McGraw both show that they’re future stars we should be aware of.

While there are a few jump scares, the film relies on the terror of the situation to creep under your skin.

Final say: Keep this on speed dial. ★★★★★