The Black Phone

The Black Phone

Year: 2022

Runtime: 103 min

Language: English

Director: Scott Derrickson

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!

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Timeline & Setting – The Black Phone (2022)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Black Phone (2022). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Summer of 1978

The summer of 1978 was marked by a blend of growing societal anxieties and a sense of innocence. It was a time when childhood was often carefree, yet masked by the lurking danger from unknown abductions. The film captures this juxtaposition, highlighting the perils that can exist even in seemingly tranquil environments.

Location

North Denver’s suburbs

The movie takes place in the peaceful yet eerie suburbs of North Denver during the summer of 1978. Known for its tight-knit community, the area is shaken by a series of abductions that bring terror into the lives of the residents. The contrast between the idyllic setting and the dark events serves to heighten the tension throughout the film.

🏡 Suburban 🕵️‍♂️ Crime Scene

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:14

Main Characters – The Black Phone (2022)

Meet the key characters of The Black Phone (2022), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Finney Blake

Finney is a young boy wrestling with the trials of adolescence while coping with bullies and family issues. His character evolves from victimhood to empowered heroism as he learns to confront his fears. Fueled by determination and a desire for freedom, Finney ultimately learns to embrace his strength.

👦 Boy 💪 Resilience 🦸‍♂️ Hero

Gwen Blake

Gwen is Finney's younger sister who possesses psychic abilities that allow her to perceive events beyond the ordinary realm. Her bravery in the face of overwhelming circumstances adds depth to her character, embodying both vulnerability and strength. Her determination to help uncover the truth illustrates her important role in the narrative.

👧 Girl 🔮 Psychic ❤️ Sisterly Love

Terrence Blake

Terrence is portrayed as a troubled father grappling with the haunting memories of his wife's death. His struggle with grief manifests in abusive behavior towards Gwen, reflecting his own inner turmoil. The complexity of his character reveals how deeply personal loss can affect parental relationships.

👨‍👧 Father 😔 Grief 🥀 Troubled

The Grabber (Max's Brother)

The Grabber is the film's antagonist, embodying the very essence of horror with his unnerving presence and malevolent intentions. His manipulative nature and sadistic behavior create a palpable tension as he preys on young victims. The mystery surrounding his character adds layers of psychological complexity to the film.

👹 Villain 😱 Horror 🏚️ Captor

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:14

Major Themes – The Black Phone (2022)

Explore the central themes of The Black Phone (2022), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔮 Psychic Abilities

Gwen's psychic gifts play a crucial role in unraveling the mystery behind the Grabber's crimes. Her disturbing visions compel the local detectives to take notice and act, showing how intuition can drive the search for truth. The theme explores the intersection of trauma and supernatural insight, particularly as Gwen competes for her father's attention.

🦸‍♂️ Courage and Resilience

Finney's journey emphasizes the importance of courage and resilience in the face of overwhelming fear and adversity. His attempts to escape the clutches of the Grabber highlight a deep-seated desire to reclaim control over his life. The empowering notion that one can rise up against evil permeates the climax of the film.

💔 Family Struggles

The strained family dynamics in Finney and Gwen's household underscore the emotional turmoil stemming from their mother's death. Terrence's inability to cope manifests as both neglect and aggression, impacting his children's ability to navigate their trauma. This theme serves as a poignant reminder of how grief can fracture familial bonds.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:14

Unlock the Full Story of The Black Phone

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Black Phone in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Black Phone is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Black Phone Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Black Phone, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Black Phone Summary

The Black Phone Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Black Phone with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Black Phone Timeline

The Black Phone Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Black Phone? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Black Phone Ending Explained

The Black Phone Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Black Phone that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Black Phone Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Black Phone

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Black Phone: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Black Phone

Explore More About Movie The Black Phone

The Black Phone (2022) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Black Phone (2022) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Black Phone (2022) Ending Explained & Theories

The Black Phone (2022) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow