As M3GAN releases to theaters all over the world, 2023 is well on its way to filling 2022’s enormous horror shoes. But, considering it will be contending with the likes of Nope, The Menu, Bodies Bodies Bodies, X, and Pearl, among others, this year will definitely have its work cut out for it.
One of the more curious entries of last year, though, was The Black Phone, which has lately distinguished itself as a dark horse amongst 2022’s well-loved library of frights. Despite a pair of gripping performances from Ethan Hawke and Mason Thames, as well as a climax that could make just about anyone squeal with glee, the ultimate downfall of Scott Derrickson’s latest Blumhouse venture boiled down to a runtime that didn’t quite have the length to give its mythology the proper indulgence.