Religion in Horror: A Fresh Perspective from The Black Phone 2

Horror movies often paint religion in a dark light, focusing on demons and evil forces while leaving God out of the picture. But The Black Phone 2, directed by Scott Derrickson and written by C. Robert Cargill, takes a different approach. Both men identify as Christian, but they don't want to be labeled as "Christian filmmakers. " They believe that religion should be portrayed in a more nuanced way in horror films. The Black Phone 2 continues the story of siblings Finn and Gwen, who face off against a serial killer known as The Grabber. Gwen, who wears a cross pendant and prays to Jesus, is a central character in the film. She has a unique relationship with her faith, which is explored in greater depth in the sequel. Gwen's beliefs are put to the test when she encounters two self-righteous Christian camp counselors, Barbara and Kenneth, who judge her for her behavior. Derrickson and Cargill wanted to show the contrast between Gwen's genuine faith and the hypocrisy of Barbara and Kenneth. They believe that it's important to portray both the positive and negative aspects of religion in a honest way. The filmmakers were encouraged by the positive response to Gwen's character in the first movie, which led them to explore her faith more deeply in the sequel. The Black Phone 2 also delves into the concept of Hell, portraying it as a place where the positive aspects of a human soul are stripped away. This unique take on Hell is rooted in Derrickson's own beliefs, but he doesn't want to be seen as a spokesperson for religion. He believes that exploring religious themes in horror films can be meaningful for audiences, regardless of their beliefs. Overall, The Black Phone 2 offers a fresh perspective on religion in horror movies. By portraying faith in a more nuanced and honest way, the filmmakers have created a story that is both thought-provoking and entertaining. The movie is now playing in theaters.