The Black Phone is a 2021 American horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, based on Joe Hill’s 2004 short story. It follows a 13-year-old boy named Finney Blake who is abducted by a serial killer called the Grabber and held in a soundproof basement. Inside the room, Finney discovers a disconnected black rotary phone that, surprisingly, can receive calls from the killer’s past victims. Through these supernatural-tinged conversations, Finney receives chilling guidance and practical tips from the ghosts of those who previously disappeared, helping him figure out how to survive and attempt an escape. The film blends coming-of-age trauma, supernatural elements, and a tense cat-and- mouse dynamic, with a strong emphasis on character, atmosphere, and the resilience of a young protagonist. Key themes and elements

• 1970s setting: The story is rooted in a version of Denver’s suburbs in the late 1970s, which influences the period details, mood, and social dynamics (phones, schools, bullies, family life).

• The Grabber: A menacing, enigmatic kidnapper who uses disguises and a chilling psychological approach to terrorize his victims. His basement is soundproof and isolated, heightening Finney’s sense of danger and isolation.

• The magical realism of the phone: The titular black phone appears broken and unusable, yet it becomes a conduit for communications with the dead, providing clues, warnings, and strategies. This plot device drives Finney’s plan to outwit his captor.

• Ghostly guidance: Victims such as Bruce and others offer practical advice and warnings that impact Finney’s decisions and potential escape routes. The ghosts’ memories and personalities are woven into the narrative to deepen character development.

• Coming-of-age under duress: Finney’s courage, wit, and moral growth are central, as he learns to advocate for himself and confront fear, with the help of supportive, if spectral, allies.

Reception and context

• The film was released in theaters in 2022 after festival premieres and received generally positive reviews for performances, mood, and Derrickson’s direction, though opinions varied on the movie’s tonal approach and how it balanced horror with its more hopeful elements. It achieved strong box office for its budget and contributed to the development of a broader story universe, including related short-form works and a sequel.

• The core premise—an abducted boy communicating with past victims via a disconnected phone—has been highlighted as a memorable and effective hook that blends supernatural elements with a grounded survival story.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on themes for a discussion, provide a character-by-character breakdown, or compare The Black Phone to other coming-of-age horror films from the same era.