Critics generally praised the film for its tight pacing and emotional stakes. You can find detailed reviews and community discussions on platforms like:
: Mason Thames (Finney) and Madeleine McGraw (his sister, Gwen) provide the emotional core. Gwen’s "psychic" dreams add a secondary layer of supernatural tension as she desperately tries to locate her brother.
Set in 1978 Denver, the film follows Finney Shaw, a shy 13-year-old kidnapped by a serial child abductor known as "The Grabber." Locked in a soundproof basement, Finney discovers a disconnected black telephone that begins to ring. Through it, he communicates with the ghosts of the Grabber’s previous victims, who offer him guidance and combat tactics to escape. Siyah Telefon (The Black Phone)
: As The Grabber, Hawke delivers a terrifying performance despite being masked for most of the film. His presence is unpredictable, oscillating between a sinister calm and sudden outbursts of violence.
: Offers more informal, cinephile-focused write-ups that delve into the film's themes of trauma and empowerment. Critics generally praised the film for its tight
The film excels at building a sense of dread rooted in the of the era—a time of "stranger danger," neighborhood brawls, and domestic tension. Key Strengths
: Features user reviews that often discuss the film's 70s aesthetic and its loyalty to Joe Hill's original story. Set in 1978 Denver, the film follows Finney
: While it features "jump scares," the movie functions more as a suspenseful thriller about resilience . It explores how Finney finds his own strength by literally using the voices of those who came before him. Critical Reception