In The Black Phone, terror lurks in the shadows of a small, seemingly quiet town. The story follows Finney Blake, a shy, introverted teenager who finds himself at the mercy of a sadistic kidnapper, known only as “The Grabber” (played by Ethan Hawke). After being abducted by the masked villain, Finney is locked in a soundproof basement, where his hope for escape quickly fades.

The only link to freedom is a mysterious, black phone on the wall that doesn’t work—but it begins to ring. The phone connects Finney to the voices of the Grabber’s previous victims, all of whom were brutally murdered. These spirits, who speak to him from the beyond, offer clues, warnings, and guidance on how to outwit the masked killer and escape the nightmare that has ensnared him.

As the connection with the dead grows stronger, Finney must summon all his courage and resourcefulness to decipher the messages and plan his escape before he becomes the next victim. Meanwhile, Finney’s older sister, Gwen, a determined and fiercely protective girl, is having disturbing dreams that seem to hold clues about Finney’s whereabouts. Despite the police’s dismissive attitude toward her visions, Gwen refuses to give up on finding her brother, even if it means confronting the very forces that hold him captive.

The Black Phone is a chilling psychological horror film that expertly weaves together tension, supernatural elements, and emotional depth. As Finney races against time to outsmart his captor, the film delves into the power of resilience, family, and the strength found in unexpected places. With its eerie atmosphere, pulse-pounding suspense, and standout performances, especially from Ethan Hawke, The Black Phone leaves audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering just how far one boy will go to survive—and whether the dead can truly help the living.