December 02, 2025

Never Seen It Podcast — Episode 69 The Black Phone (2021)

1 hour 11 minutes

In this episode, we take a deep dive into The Black Phone and unpack the film’s blend of real-world horror and supernatural mystery. We explore how Derrickson uses 1970s true-crime anxieties, child abductions, and local paranoia to ground the story’s paranormal elements, while also asking whether the film fully commits to either side of its identity. We break down Ethan Hawke’s chilling performance as The Grabber and discuss why his motives, rituals, and connection to the black phone itself remain so ambiguous. We question whether the movie intentionally leaves major narrative gaps in hopes of expanding into a franchise—especially since many elements feel like setup for a larger mythology that didn’t materialize until years later when the sequel finally arrived. We also get into the design of The Grabber’s masks, the concept of “naughty boy,” and Finney’s mysterious ability to hear the phone. Does it imply something supernatural about him? Was he always meant to be the final victim? And does the film subtly tease the Grabber’s transformation into a more mythic, Freddy-Krueger-like entity? These theories are all on the table, and we compare them to what the film actually provides onscreen. Finally, we discuss how the movie uses its short runtime—whether it’s lean and effective, or whether it sacrifices crucial character depth and world-building. With so many ideas introduced but not fully explored, we talk about what The Black Phone 2 might clarify, expand, or even retcon after the first film’s unresolved threads. We examine the film’s themes, unanswered questions, and what truly makes it resonate with viewers, even when parts of the story feel underdeveloped. If you’ve ever wondered what The Grabber actually wants—or what the franchise could become—you’re in the right place.

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