Dive into the chilling underbelly of horror cinema, where forgotten classics from the '80s rise like ghosts to haunt modern blockbusters—Black Phone 2 is proof that the genre's best scares often echo the past. If you're a fan of spine-tingling tales, stick around; this sequel isn't just a follow-up—it's a heartfelt nod to the films that shaped it, drawing from a rarely remembered slasher that might just change how you view these icy nightmares. But here's where it gets controversial: Is reviving old ideas a genius tribute or just a lazy shortcut? We'll explore that as we unpack the inspirations behind this eerie adventure.
Horror films have a way of sticking with us, partly because they cleverly reference and evolve from earlier works, creating homages that feel fresh yet familiar. Black Phone 2 embodies this spirit, serving as an affectionate tribute to vintage horror, including a deep dive into a largely overlooked '80s slasher flick. For beginners dipping into the genre, think of slashers as those fast-paced thrillers where a masked killer stalks and slashes their way through unsuspecting victims—often in remote, isolated spots that amplify the terror. This sequel takes that blueprint and twists it with supernatural elements, making it accessible yet packed with layers for seasoned viewers.
In the story, the vengeful Grabber (Ethan Hawke) targets Finn (Mason Thames) from beyond the grave, fixating on his younger sister Gwen (Madeleine McGraw). Gwen experiences haunting visions of three boys being hunted at a winter camp known as Alpine Lake. Convinced they hold clues to this deadly puzzle, she persuades Finn to brave a raging blizzard and head to the camp. Unbeknownst to them, the Grabber lurks, ready to strike—and this frozen setting is no accident. As teased in the trailers, we witness the Grabber gliding menacingly on ice skates, a scene that's both visually striking and deeply symbolic. Director Scott Derrickson crafted this as a direct homage to 1983's Curtains, an obscure gem that deserves more attention.
Writer C. Robert Cargill shared his surprise at this obscure reference after the film's premiere at Fantastic Fest. 'I wish I could claim credit for spotting this, as it's such a niche find, but this is one of those moments where Scott inserted a subtle film nod I hadn't come across,' he explained. 'I immediately thought, "I need to check out this movie right away."' Derrickson himself recalled the spark of inspiration vividly: 'Back in the mid-'80s, when I was still in high school, I stumbled upon Curtains on late-night cable while channel-surfing. The image of a masked killer skating across the ice blew my mind—it was unlike anything I'd seen before. It was terrifying, bizarre, even oddly amusing, and I knew it was perfect material to draw from.'
Curtains, helmed by Richard Ciupka, follows six aspiring actresses vying for a role in a movie at a secluded mansion, only to fall prey to a sinister masked murderer with a flair for the dramatic. That iconic ice-skating sequence—where the killer glides toward unsuspecting victims—is what makes it so distinctive. While many top horror films unfold at summer camps (think cabins, canoes, and campfire legends), winter-based chills are far rarer, adding an extra layer of isolation and dread. In Black Phone 2, this ties into the Grabber's backstory, revealing his proficiency on skates, which becomes a handy tool even in his spectral form. And this is the part most people miss: it transforms him into something akin to Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, allowing him to invade dreams and strike from the afterlife.
But Curtains isn't the only classic influencing Black Phone 2—it's part of a broader tapestry of tributes. The Grabber's cheat-death antics directly echo Nightmare on Elm Street, where villains defy mortality to terrorize victims. Derrickson also drew from his own filmography, employing Super 8 film stock for the dream sequences, mirroring the eerie kill tapes in his 2012 horror hit Sinister. Even the camp environment evokes memories of Friday the 13th and similar slashers, blending nostalgia with fresh frights. Whether intentional or serendipitous, co-writers Derrickson and Cargill have assembled a eclectic mix of yesteryear's horror elements. Yet, the film shines on its own merits, avoiding the pitfall of mere imitation and delivering a story that's engaging and self-contained.
Here's a thought that might divide fans: In an era of endless remakes and reboots, is it innovative to remix old tropes, or does it stifle creativity by leaning too heavily on what's already been done? Some argue these nods honor the genre's roots, enriching new works with depth and Easter eggs for eagle-eyed viewers, while others see it as recycling without reinventing the wheel. What do you think—does Black Phone 2's homage to classics like Curtains elevate it, or make it feel derivative? And if you've seen both, how does the ice-skating killer compare in your mind? Drop your opinions in the comments; I'd love to hear if you're team tribute or team originality!
Black Phone 2 is currently playing in theaters, so grab your popcorn and prepare for a frosty fright fest that's equal parts throwback and thriller.
