Black Phone 2
2025-10-31
Toronto, ON

A noticeable step-up from its predecessor, at least in terms of style. My complaint with the predecessor was that it was markedly similar to tons of modern horror in its location, characters, and prevailing threat. You can't go wrong pulling from The Shining with its frigid and desolate remote location. The idea of taking a bustling location, meaning the summer camp here, or the hotel in The Shining, and stripping it from all familiarity by jettisoning it to the barren off-season just adds to the unease, perfect for horror. I do think it's a bit long-winded at times, breaking down the plight of characters whose trauma feels far removed from what's currently at play. Though that might just be my fault for not having revisited the predecessor before watching this — crazy that it's been four years since it came out.

Watched at Scotiabank Theatre Toronto. Sneaking in at least something for Halloween, before game six of the world series.