Is The Black Phone Based on a True Story?
by Vignesh L
Updated May 17, 2023
Is The Black Phone Based on a True Story?
No, The Black Phone is not based on a true story. Although it draws inspiration from real events and elements, it is a work of fiction. The film's narrative is derived from a short story written by Joe Hill, which takes inspiration from actual serial killers of the era, such as John Wayne Gacy. Furthermore, the director, Scott Derrickson, incorporates his own childhood experiences growing up in the 1970s, a time when child abductions were prevalent.
The setting of the film, a small town in Colorado, is also reminiscent of Derrickson's own hometown. Despite these influences, The Black Phone does not recount an actual occurrence but rather uses them as a backdrop to tell a gripping and chilling tale. The movie does, however, effectively depict the fear and trauma that children may experience in abduction situations.
It explores themes of good versus evil, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit. Overall, while The Black Phone may be inspired by real events, it is important to recognize that it is a fictional story created for entertainment purposes.
Is The Black Phone Streaming?
Yes, The Black Phone is currently streaming on Peacock. It is also available to purchase or rent on various other streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Apple TV. The Black Phone is a 2022 American supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, who co-wrote the screenplay with C. Robert Cargill, based on the 2004 short story of the same name by Joe Hill.
The film stars Ethan Hawke as a serial killer who kidnaps and traps a 13-year-old boy (Mason Thames) in a soundproof basement, where the boy can hear the voices of the killer's previous victims through a disconnected phone. The film also stars Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, James Ransome, and Gwendoline Christie.
The Black Phone was released in the United States on June 24, 2022, by Universal Pictures. It received positive reviews from critics, with praise for Hawke's performance, Derrickson's direction, and the film's atmosphere. The film has grossed over $130 million worldwide against a production budget of $18 million.
The Black Phone Ending Explained
In the ending of The Black Phone, Finney Shaw, the abducted young boy, manages to escape from the clutches of the Grabber and ultimately brings about the demise of his captor. With the assistance of the ghosts of the Grabber's previous victims, who communicate through the black phone and provide him with survival guidance, Finney finds a way out. His sister, Gwen, who has been having visions of the Grabber's house, also aids him in his escape.
To eliminate the Grabber, Finney employs a clever ruse, leading him to stumble into a hole in the basement. As a result of the fall, the Grabber sustains a broken ankle, enabling Finney to overpower him using the phone, which he has cleverly filled with sand.
Finney ultimately ends the villain's life by strangling him with the phone cord. The conclusion of The Black Phone serves as a gratifying finale to the film's narrative. It emphasizes the triumph of good over evil, highlighting the enduring presence of hope even in the darkest of circumstances.
The Black Phone Cast
Mason Thames
Finn "Finney" Blake
Madeleine McGraw
Gwendolyn "Gwen" Blake
Ethan Hawke
The Grabber
Jeremy Davies
Terrence Blake
E. Roger Mitchell
Detective Wright
Troy Rudeseal
Detective Miller
James Ransone
Max
Miguel Cazarez Mora
Robin
Brady Hepner
Vance Hopper
Tristan Pravong
Bruce
Jacob Moran
Billy
Banks Repeta
Griffin
Cast
Character name
The Black Phone Trailer
Is The Black Phone Based on a True Story - FAQs
No, "The Black Phone" is not based on a true story. However, it draws inspiration from real events and elements.
The film is based on a short story written by Joe Hill.
The film is directed by Scott Derrickson.
The story was inspired by real-life serial killers of the era, such as John Wayne Gacy. Additionally, the director drew on his own childhood experiences growing up in the 1970s, a time when there were high rates of child abductions.