Black Phone 2 – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Black Phone 2

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025

32%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Horror sequel where supernatural phone calls warn of new child abductions—intense, disturbing, and definitely not family movie night material.

6.2/10

72%

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Black Phone 2

movie

R, 2025

32%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Horror sequel where supernatural phone calls warn of new child abductions—intense, disturbing, and definitely not family movie night material.

6.2

72%

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6.2/10

72%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, if you've got a 16-year-old who's into horror and specifically asked to see this sequel, fine—they know what they're signing up for. The original Black Phone was genuinely unsettling, and this one appears to continue that legacy with slightly better reviews than expected.

But let's be crystal clear: this is a movie about children being hunted and killed, wrapped in supernatural dread. The PTSD angle adds some emotional weight, and the sibling dynamic could be compelling, but you're still watching kids get terrorized for 90+ minutes. The mixed critical scores (6.2 IMDB, 3.1/5 Letterboxd) suggest it's fine for horror fans but nothing special.

This is absolutely not 'horror-curious' territory or 'maybe my 13-year-old who handled Stranger Things.' This is for established horror fans who can separate fiction from reality and won't be up all night checking under the bed. If that's your teen, have at it. Everyone else, there are better ways to spend movie night.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults who actively enjoy horror. Even at 16, many viewers will find the child-in-peril violence too disturbing. If your teen loved the first Black Phone and can handle intense psychological horror, they're the target audience. Everyone else should skip it.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Horror sequel centered on trauma aftermath and supernatural stalking of children. While it explores PTSD and sibling bonds, the core content involves children in mortal danger, disturbing visions, and psychological terror—not emotionally healthy viewing for most audiences. The premise of a now-17-year-old struggling with captivity trauma could offer some maturity, but wrapped in horror tropes.

Imaginative

The supernatural phone concept and dream-state communication show creative world-building. The shift to the sister as protagonist and winter camp setting adds fresh angles to the franchise. However, it's still working within familiar horror sequel territory—the 'visions warning of danger' trope is well-worn. Decent originality for the genre but not groundbreaking.

Safe

This is a horror movie about children being stalked and killed. Common Sense Media rates it 16+, and even that feels young. Expect jump scares, violence against minors, psychological terror, and disturbing imagery. The original film featured graphic violence and child abduction—this sequel appears to continue that pattern. Absolutely not safe for unexpected viewing by younger audiences.

Enriching

Could spark discussions about trauma, protective sibling relationships, and trusting intuition. The PTSD angle with Finn offers some psychological depth. However, it's primarily designed to terrify, not enlighten. Mixed critical reception (72% RT critics, 6.2 IMDB, 3.1/5 Letterboxd) suggests it's competent but not particularly meaningful. Entertainment value exists for horror fans, but limited broader enrichment.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Explores trauma and PTSD aftermath in a teen survivor, adding psychological depth beyond typical horror
Strong sibling bond between Finn and his sister drives the emotional core
The supernatural dream-phone concept offers creative horror mechanics
Decent critical reception (72% RT) suggests competent filmmaking for the genre
Could validate teens' experiences with anxiety, hypervigilance, and protective instincts

⚠

What to Watch For

Graphic violence and children in extreme peril—this is hardcore horror, not thriller-lite
Jump scares and sustained tension designed to terrify; expect nightmares
Themes of child abduction and murder are deeply disturbing
PTSD depiction might be triggering for viewers with trauma history
The 16+ rating is a bare minimum; many 16-year-olds will find this too intense

Conversation Starters

"How do you think Finn's experience changed him? What does it mean to 'move on' from something that traumatic?"
"Why do you think the sister is now receiving the visions instead of Finn? What does that say about their relationship?"
"When have you ever had a gut feeling that something was wrong? Did you trust it?"
"How do horror movies help us process real fears in a safe way—or do they just give us new things to worry about?"

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