Join me, and let’s watch Ethan Hawke horror movies, a double feature of The Black Phone and Sinster. GRAB your popcorn and let’s go.
Let's Ramble
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Ethan Hawke Horror Movies
It all started around spring 2023, when I looked for a good scary movie, as you know, I’m a great horror fan. I think I saw a TikTok about Sinister (2012), and so I decided to watch.
Long story short, Sinster creeped me out so bad, for DAYS. I was even afraid to go to the bathroom at night.
If you know me, you’ll know very few horror movies can scare me, so this is quite an achievement.
Wanting some more, I found The Black Phone (2022), a movie by the same director (Scott Derrickson) with some of the cast (Ethan Hawke and James Ransone).
The Black Phone was not as scary as Sinister, but was terrifying in a more realistic way and at the same time so emotional and beautiful. The masked Ethan Hawke did a brilliant work with mainly his voice and posture, and every scene with him was chillingly delightful.
As the villain simp I am, this Ethan Hawke horror movie made me a true fan.
In this post, you can find short reviews of these two great movies and links to where to watch them now.
All of Ethan Hawke movies and TV shows
Sinister (2012)
Plot
Sinister is a supernatural horror film directed by Scott Derrickson, co-written with C. Robert Cargill. The story revolves around Ellison Oswalt (played by Ethan Hawke), a true-crime writer who moves his family into a home where the previous occupants were mysteriously murdered.
STOP READING HERE IF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS
Unbeknownst to his family, Oswalt discovers a box of Super 8 home movies in the attic that depict various families being murdered in gruesomely inventive ways. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers that these murders are the work of an ancient pagan deity named Bughuul, who consumes the souls of human children. Bughuul uses these films to lure children into committing heinous acts against their families. Guess what happens next.
NO MORE SPOILERS FROM HERE:
Sinister explores themes of ambition, supernatural evil, and the devastating consequences of obsession with fame and success. It also had some of the most terrifying scene I have ever seen. And the sound score is spectacular. 9.5/10
Where to Watch Sinister
The Black Phone (2022)
Plot
The Black Phone is a horror film about a shy but resourceful 13-year-old boy named Finney Blake. He grows up in a problematic household and is bullied at school. One day, Finney is kidnapped by a serial killer known as The Grabber, who imprisons him in a soundproof basement.
STOP READING HERE IF YOU DON’T WANT SPOILERS
In this basement, Finney discovers a disconnected black phone. To his surprise, the phone allows him to communicate with the voices of the killer’s previous victims. These voices guide and help him in plotting his escape. Meanwhile, Finney’s sister, Gwen, experiences psychic dreams that provide clues to Finney’s whereabouts. The movie culminates in a tense finale where Finney uses guidance from the voices and his own ingenuity to confront The Grabber and eventually escape.
Looking for an oldie? Watch The Night of the Hunter
The Black Phone Characters
Finney Blake
A 13-year-old boy kidnapped by The Grabber, a masked killer. Trapped in a soundproof basement, Finney discovers a disconnected black phone through which he hears the voices of previous victims.
The Grabber
The film’s antagonist, who kidnaps and murders children.
The Kidnapped Kids
- Bruce Yamada.
- Billy Showalter.
- Griffin Stagg.
- Vance Hopper.
- Robin Arellano: Finney’s best friend, provides the motivation and last tip for the final escape scene.
Gwen Blake
Finney’s psychic sister, whose visions are crucial in the search for Finney.
Terrence Blake
Finney and Gwen’s father, a troubled and abusive widower struggling with alcoholism.
Detectives Wright and Miller
Police investigating the child disappearances, they interact with Gwen and her father about her psychic insights.
Max
The Grabber’s brother, who is unaware of his brother’s sinister activities.
NO MORE SPOILERS FROM HERE:
The Black Phone blends supernatural elements with a tense survival story, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere. Surprisingly, it is also a heartwarming story of friendship and coming of age, as Finney finally learns to stand up for himself. I absolutely love this film and everything about it. 10/10
Is the Black Phone Streaming Somewhere?
The Black Phone FAQ
Where can I watch The Black Phone?
You can watch the Black Phone on Amazon Prime.
Does The Black Phone have a good ending?
(SPOILER)
The ending is bittersweet. Finney managed to escape, but now we know for sure that all of The Grabber’s previous kidnapping victims, including Finney’s best friend Robin, were indeed murdered.
How much did The Black Phone make?
The Black Phone earned a worldwide total of $161.4 million at the box office.
Is The Black Phone based on a True Story?
The Black Phone is not based on true events. However, the plot resonates with true life events, such as the serial murders by “Killer Clown” John Wayne Gacy, who raped and murdered boys and young adult males in the 1970s. Sexual assault is not explicitly shown in the movie (thank God) but is heavily implied. Even more so in the short story the book is based on (see the next questions).
(SPOILER)
In several cases, Gacy murdered boys who worked (or intended to work) for him. If we go back to The Black Phone movie, in my opinion, this is the only explanation for how The Graber managed to take Vance Hopper.
Is The Black Phone Movie a remake?
No, it’s not a remake.
Is there The Black Phone book?
The Black Phone is based on a short story by Joe Hill, who happens to be Stephen King’s son. You can find the short story in his book 20th Century Ghosts.
What kind of dog is Samson?
Samson, the scary guard dog owned by The Grabber, is a Cane Corso. Off set he’s actually a very good boy, like all dogs.
Best horror movies to stream right now
The Black Phone Merch
The Black Phone is one of my favorite movies ever. If you love the movie like I did and want some movie merch, find it here.
Ethan Hawke Horror Movies Revisited
Great, now after you watched these two great Ethan Hawke horror movies back to back, don’t you think Sinister is The Grabber’s origin story? No wonder this dude hate kids.
