The Black Phone

The Black Phone

Year: 2022

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Scott Derrickson

Echo Score: 75

Budget: $16M

DramaThrillerHorror

When 13-year-old Finney Shaw is abducted by a sadistic killer and held captive in a soundproof basement, he finds a disconnected phone. Through this mysterious device, he hears the voices of past victims, each offering clues and desperate strategies to survive. As Finney fights to escape, he uncovers the chilling history of his captor and the horrifying pattern of his crimes, relying on the ghostly guidance of those who came before him.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Black Phone yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

The Black Phone (2022) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how The Black Phone (2022) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.

In the climax of “The Black Phone,” Finney finally manages to turn the tables on the Grabber, the serial kidnapper and murderer. Throughout the film, Finney has been guided and empowered by the voices of the children who had been previous victims, all calling from the black phone in the basement, which acts as a supernatural link to the departed. Using the hints given by these spirits, Finney digs a hidden trap in the basement, creating an opportunity to escape. When the Grabber returns and leaves the basement door slightly open, Finney tries to flee but is caught by the predator just in time. However, thanks to the advice from Robin, one of the spirits, Finney learns how to use the phone as a weapon—filling the receiver with dirt and then using it as a hook to attack the Grabber. In the struggle, Finney manages to snap the Grabber’s neck, killing him. The ringing of the phone signifies that the spirits have finally achieved their revenge, and Finney’s victory marks his own emotional release from trauma.

After the fight, Finney escapes the house and finds his sister Gwen, who has been anxiously waiting outside, safe. The police arrive and discover the house’s gruesome secrets—a bedroom where the kids were held and the graves where the victims were buried. The film closes with Gwen and Finney reunited, and the terror of the Grabber finally ended. The story underscores themes of resilience, courage, and the importance of standing up against abuse, suggesting that even in the darkest moments, hope and bravery can prevail. The film also hints that the violence and trauma inflicted by the Grabber may be rooted in his own abusive past, emphasizing that cycles of violence often stem from unresolved inner wounds. Overall, the ending shows that Finney, through courage and the supernatural help of the spirits, overcomes evil, and begins his journey toward healing and strength.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:59

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Supernatural survival thrillers like The Black Phone

Characters fighting for their lives receive crucial help from beyond the grave.If you liked The Black Phone's unique blend of intense survival horror and ghostly guidance, explore more movies where protagonists receive supernatural aid in their darkest moments. These similar horror-thriller stories combine high-stakes tension with eerie supernatural elements for a uniquely gripping experience.

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The narrative pattern follows an isolated protagonist facing a seemingly unstoppable threat. At their lowest point, they discover a connection to supernatural entities—often the ghosts of previous victims—who provide cryptic clues, strategic advice, or emotional support. This otherworldly aid becomes the key to unraveling the mystery and mounting a successful escape or confrontation.

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Movies in this thread share a core structure of combining gritty, realistic survival tension with supernatural intervention. They create a unique emotional mix of utter desperation countered by hopeful, mysterious guidance, resulting in a cathartic victory that feels earned through both human resilience and spectral cooperation.

Child-centered horror movies like The Black Phone

Young protagonists confront terrifying evil while discovering their inner strength.Fans of The Black Phone's focus on a young protagonist's terrifying ordeal will find more movies exploring youth confronting horror. These similar coming-of-age horror stories feature kids facing unimaginable threats while dealing with real-world trauma, creating intense, emotionally heavy viewing experiences.

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These narratives center on young characters thrust into life-or-death situations that force them to mature rapidly. They often begin as vulnerable figures, overshadowed by family dysfunction or social struggles, but discover unexpected courage and resourcefulness when confronting the horror. The story balances sheer terror with poignant moments of growth, showing how trauma can forge resilience.

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These films are grouped by their unique perspective—viewing horror through a child's eyes—which intensifies the stakes and emotional impact. They share a specific tone that blends genuine terror with heartfelt character development, creating stories that are both frightening and deeply moving.

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The Black Phone Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Black Phone

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Black Phone

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