Luckily, no. The Black Phone, an astonishing movie in 2022, is not based on real cases. The film is an adaptation of a 2004 short story by Joe Hill (son of the legendary horror author Stephen King) of the same name. However, some events inspired by the childhood life of director Scott Derrickson are noteworthy.
Serial killers have always been a morbidly compelling subject in the eyes of the public. The Black Phone takes place at the end of the 1970s, a time when serial killers like John Wayne Gacy were in the prime of their murderous frenzy. So, it's not entirely out of the question to see a character like The Grabber integrate directly with those twisted real-life murderers. However, The Black Phone has had the record set straight by the creator of the original short story, who says that the story is not based on any real case.
What is the premise of The Black Phone?
The film follows Finney, a tranquil 13-year-old boy with a bullying problem. He becomes the sixth child kidnapped by "The Grabber" and plays the film's second half locked in a sound-proof cellar. That's when the movie exalts its thriller and mystic elements while we catch him doing everything he can to return to his little sister, Gwen. For her part, Gwen is trying to use her developing psychic ability to see stuff in her dreams to find her brother. During this time, "The Grabber" is haunted by the five children he has already killed, each of whom also plays a crucial role in Finney's rescue.
Who is Grabber in The Black Phone?
The villain of "The Black Phone" is Al, an obese man whom young Finney watched trying to get his grocery into his van. Finney wanted to help him, just to get smeared and stunned. Then he was pushed into the vehicle, and as he came to, he realized it was the "Galesburg Grabber," someone who had abducted and murdered children in the past year. Finney knew some of the victims, having read about them in the newspapers and watched stories on the news. While Al decided to take Finney's time, he was scared that the Grabber would kill him. Finney realized that he even soundproofed his basement, clearly saying he didn't want anyone up there to hear him. Unfortunately, a chained Finney couldn't do anything other than wait to be tortured, drink in the bathroom, and mentally prepare to die.
Is there a possible sequel to The Black Phone?
Derrickson, in June 2022, said in an interview that writer Hill had an excellent idea for a sequel, and he was open to direction only if the first movie was a success. In August, Derrickson and Hill confirmed that discussions had taken place with the studio for a sequel. The writer mentioned that the sequel would be based on Grabber's Mask.
FAQs
Q. What is The Black Phone’s Box Office Collection?
A. The Black Phone was a critical and commercial success; it earned $161 million and received accolades for its performance and loyalty to its source. The film’s budget was $16–18 million.
Q. Where was The Black Phone filmed?
A. The shooting took place under the working title Static at EUE/Screen Gems in Wilmington, North Carolina, and around the counties of New Hanover, Brunswick, and Columbus.
Q. How long did it take to make "The Black Phone"?
A. The script was written in six weeks, and over 33 days, the movie was filmed.
