The Black Phone, a 2022 supernatural thriller, has garnered attention for its unique blend of horror and psychological tension. The film, directed by Scott Derrickson, stars Ethan Hawke and is based on a short story by Joe Hill.

One of the standout features of The Black Phone is its cinematography and score, which effectively set a late-70s vibe reminiscent of John Carpenter's Halloween. The movie handles heavy topics like child abuse and kidnapping with a surprising amount of tact, avoiding gratuitous violence while maintaining a gripping narrative.

However, the film is not without its flaws. Some viewers felt that the trailer revealed too much of the plot, diminishing the element of surprise. Additionally, certain subplots, such as those involving Max and Gwen's psychic powers, seemed unnecessary and did not significantly contribute to the main storyline.

Despite these criticisms, The Black Phone has been praised for its expert storytelling and strong performances. The depiction of ghost children and their interactions with the protagonist, Finney, was particularly well-executed. The film also includes a range of extras in its limited edition release, such as deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and a feature commentary by Scott Derrickson.

Overall, The Black Phone is considered one of the better Blumhouse productions in recent years. While it may not be a full-blown horror movie, it offers enough suspense and intrigue to keep viewers engaged. If you can overlook some minor plot inconsistencies and enjoy supernatural thrillers with a touch of nostalgia this movie is definitely worth watching.