Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Let's be crystal clear: this is NOT a family movie, not a teen movie, not even a 'mature 14-year-old' movie. The Black Phone is an R-rated horror film about a serial killer who kidnaps and murders children. Full stop.

That said, for older teens (16+) who genuinely enjoy horror and for adults, it's actually a well-crafted thriller. The supernatural phone premise is creative, Ethan Hawke is creepy as hell in a mask, and it's got more psychological depth than your average slasher. Director Scott Derrickson knows how to build dread.

But here's the thing: even if your 14-year-old swears they can handle it, the subject matter is deeply disturbing. This isn't monsters or zombies—it's realistic child abduction with supernatural elements layered on top. That hits different.

If you're a horror fan parent considering watching this yourself? Go for it. It's solid genre filmmaking. But keep it far away from the kids, and think carefully before letting even your older high schooler watch. This one earns its R rating.

Age Fit

This is strictly for older teens (16+) and adults who actively enjoy horror films. The subject matter—child abduction and murder—is inherently disturbing, and the execution is designed to terrify. Not for anyone under 16, period.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

15

This is a horror-thriller about a serial child abductor/killer known as 'The Grabber.' The tone is dark, frightening, and centers on kidnapping and murder of children. While it may have themes of resilience, the subject matter is deeply disturbing and not emotionally healthy for young viewers. Models survival instincts but within an extremely traumatic context.

Imaginative

68

The central conceit—a disconnected black phone in a basement that allows a kidnapped boy to receive calls from the killer's previous victims—is genuinely creative and supernatural. Director Scott Derrickson (Sinister, Doctor Strange) brings strong visual storytelling. The blend of 1970s period setting with supernatural horror elements shows originality. However, it's not inviting exploration or creative expression for viewers—it's a tightly constructed thriller.

Safe

8

This is an R-rated horror film featuring child abduction, implied child murder, violence, terror, and disturbing imagery. The premise itself—children being kidnapped and killed—is triggering content. Contains profanity, intense violence, and psychological horror. Absolutely not safe for children or young teens. Even older teens would need significant emotional maturity and parental guidance.

Enriching

52

For mature viewers, it offers themes of trauma, survival, sibling bonds, and how victims can help future victims even after death. Based on a Joe Hill short story, it has literary pedigree. The 1970s setting provides some period context. However, the enrichment is limited by its genre constraints—it's primarily designed to frighten and create tension rather than impart lasting wisdom. The empathy building is real but comes at the cost of significant distress.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely creative supernatural premise with the ghost-phone connecting victims across time
Strong performances and atmospheric 1970s setting create immersive horror
Based on Joe Hill's short story—brings literary horror credibility
For horror fans 16+, it's a well-crafted thriller that respects the genre without being gratuitous torture porn
Themes of resilience, sibling protection, and victims helping each other have emotional weight

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What to Watch For

This is R-rated horror about children being kidnapped and murdered—not remotely appropriate for kids or young teens
Intense violence, terror sequences, and psychologically disturbing imagery throughout
Strong language and themes of abuse (both from the killer and hints of domestic violence)
Even for 16-17 year olds, gauge your teen's comfort with horror and true-crime adjacent content first

Conversation Starters

"What would you do in a survival situation like that? How do you think you'd keep your wits about you?"
"The movie shows how the previous victims help the current one—what does that say about legacy and helping others even after we're gone?"
"How did the 1970s setting change the story? Would this work differently today with cell phones and technology?"
"The sister has psychic abilities that adults dismiss—have you ever felt like adults weren't listening to something important you knew?"

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