Talk to me

Talk to Me marks the highly anticipated debut of Australian twin brothers, Danny and Michael Philippou, who have chosen to explore the horror genre with a fresh and gripping take on possession movies. At first glance, the film might appear to follow a familiar trope of a cursed object, this time being a creepy ceramic hand with the power to summon the dead and possess those who utter specific phrases. However, Talk to Me sets itself apart from the mundane with its freaky and talk-back-at-screen horror show that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, deserving every bit of the hype it's been generating.

The film introduces us to Mia (played brilliantly by Sophie Wilde), a vulnerable and grief-stricken Australian teenager still struggling to come to terms with the sudden and suspicious death of her mother. Mia seeks solace and refuge in her best friend, Jade (Alexandra Jensen), and her impressionable younger brother, Riley (Joe Bird), forming a makeshift family unit bound by affection and shared experiences. However, Mia's world takes a sinister turn when the group stumbles upon the haunted ceramic hand at a house party, unaware of the terrifying consequences that lie ahead.

The Philippou brothers waste no time immersing the audience in the eerie and brutal territory of the film. A shocking prologue sets the tone, preparing viewers for the horror that awaits them. As the central premise unfolds, Talk to Me masterfully balances Mia's personal journey of grief and her gradual entanglement with malevolent forces from beyond. Sophie Wilde's fully committed performance as Mia is the beating heart of the film, effectively conveying a spectrum of emotions from sadness to exuberance, fear, deadly determination, and even lust and vengeance. Wilde's powerful portrayal ensures that Mia remains a compelling and relatable character, elevating the film's emotional resonance beyond typical horror fare.

One of the film's standout strengths lies in its exploration of possession from a fresh and innovative perspective. Unlike traditional possession movies, where victims typically resist the demonic influence, Mia's experiences take an unexpected turn. She describes the possession as a comforting glow, offering an unconventional and intriguing idea within the horror genre. This perspective challenges the notion of demonic possession, presenting it as an addictive rush akin to recreational drugs. As the spirits bridge the divide between the living and the dead, the script delves into the complexities of Mia's grief, offering a poignant and chilling exploration of her mental state.

Moreover, Talk to Me tackles the multifaceted nature of maternal relationships, particularly through the manifestations of Mia's deceased mother. The film portrays multiple versions of Mia's mother, each representing different facets of her identity and relationship with her daughter. There's the motherly figure who feels more like a sister in Mia's phone, the one who murmurs empty promises in the dark, and the truth of her mental illness that Mia struggles to confront. The film adeptly handles these various representations, highlighting the conflicting truths of a complex mother-daughter dynamic, where love and hurt intertwine.

While the film impressively delivers on its gruesome and terrifying imagery, it occasionally loses momentum in its attempt to establish a clear central villain. Instead of a conventional antagonist, Talk to Me relies heavily on the dynamics between the characters to maintain suspense. This approach leads to some slightly disjointed moments throughout the story, but the constant undercurrent of dread keeps audiences engaged, eagerly anticipating the next chilling revelation.

From a technical standpoint, Talk to Me excels in creating an eerie and atmospheric setting. The lighting, set design, and music score all contribute to the film's haunting ambiance, effectively immersing viewers into its supernatural world. While the film might not be as intense or bold as it could have been in some instances, the Philippou brothers show great promise as filmmakers, combining their background in YouTube comedy with cinematic flair to create a movie that both shocks and captivates.

Talk to Me offers a refreshing and engaging entry into the horror genre, presenting a mix of gruesome scares and emotional depth. While it might not break entirely new ground, its inventive approach to possession and the stellar performance by Sophie Wilde make it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts. A thrilling and chilling ride that will leave you both horrified and intrigued, Talk to Me proves that even with a familiar premise, a skilled execution can still deliver something worthy of applause. With a firm grip on the horror genre, the Philippou brothers have possessed audiences with their auspicious debut, and we eagerly await more from these young talented Australian filmmakers.

Talk to Me
Directed by Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Written by Danny Philippou, Bill Hinzman
Based on a concept by Daley Pearson
Produced by Samantha Jennings, Kristina Ceyton
Starring  Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji,Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes,Chris Alosio, Marcus Johnson, Alexandria Steffensen
Cinematography : Aaron McLisky
Edited by Geoff Lamb
Music by Cornel Wilczek
Production companies : Causeway Films, Bankside Films, La main (Talk to Me) Holdings
Distributed by Maslow Entertainment, Umbrella Entertainment, Ahi Films, A24 Films (United States), SND (France)
Release dates : 30 October 2022 (Adelaide),26 July 2023 (France),  27 July 2023 (Australia), 28 July 2023 (United States)
Running time : 95 minutes

Viewed on July 20, 2023 in Room 13 at AMC Mission Valley (San Diego)

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