Scott Derrickson’s directorial, The Black Phone (2022), revolves around a boy who is kidnapped by a murderer. He discovers a phone in the basement, where he is held captive. Through the phone, he can connect with the spirits of the people who were the killer’s previous victims. So, is the horror thriller based on a true story, and does it shed light on any real events and facts?
Is The Black Phone based on a true story?
The Black Phone is not based on a true story. It’s an adaption of Joe Hill’s eponymous fictional short story. Although the film draws inspiration from various thriller and horror elements and plays into several tropes, the actual story is a product of creative imagination and not grounded in real-life events at all.
The Black Phone’s real events and facts explained
The film does a decent job of setting up the atmosphere for 1970s Denver suburbs. It showcases some delicate themes of parental abuse and alcoholism, which affects Finney, the central character. Finney’s portrayal seems realistic because after suffering from abuse and bullying at his school, he fails to stand up for himself in critical situations. So, he’s forced into one where he will need to have a stronger spine to survive and outsmart his kidnapper.
The real people behind The Black Phone’s characters
The characters are based on archetypes that primarily exist within the context of the horror genre, but they are not connected to real people. Even so, the creators are excellent at setting up a convincing backstory, allowing them to reveal the twists piece by piece. The characters and their reactions create suspense and fear, making the viewers root for the central figures even more.
Is Finney Shaw a real person?
Finney Shaw is a fictional character who’s a 13-year-old teenager. He’s shy, timid, and intelligent, which allows him to be competent at the Grabber’s game. The spirits guide him through the phone and stop him from being the sixth victim. Mason Thames essays as Finney Shaw, and the young actor is quite remarkable in The Black Phone, his debut feature film.
Is The Grabber a real person?
The Grabber is a fictional serial killer and an amateur magician who uncannily abducts his victims. He locks them in his soundproof basement and toys with them by playing mind games where he asks them to escape. Eventually, when he’s bored, he kills his victims. Ethan Hawke plays the Grabber, putting on different frightening masks and terrifying his victims.
