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.
The Black Phone (released in Turkey as Siyah Telefon ) is a 2021 supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson and based on Joe Hill’s 2004 short story. It stands out as a "coming-of-age" horror that balances gritty 1970s realism with paranormal elements. Plot & Atmosphere Siyah Telefon (The Black Phone)
: 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 Set in 1978 Denver, the film follows Finney
is widely considered one of the better Blumhouse productions of recent years, successfully avoiding many of the "slasher" clichés to deliver a more thoughtful horror experience. It stands out as a "coming-of-age" horror that
: Features user reviews that often discuss the film's 70s aesthetic and its loyalty to Joe Hill's original story.
: 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.