Horror’s Fresh Voices: ‘Talk to Me’ (2023) – Movie Review

Ladies and gentlemen, prepare yourselves for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Australian horror, guided by the enigmatic twins of the digital realm, Danny and Michael Philippou, more commonly known as RackaRacka. Today, we delve into their inaugural feature film and A24’s new crown jewel, Talk to Me, which marks a seismic shift from the brothers’ comedic roots to the enigmatic realms of the supernatural. Within this cinematic voyage, brace yourself for a chilling narrative that unfurls like a spectral tapestry, a testament to the notion that the true essence of horror often resides in the most unexpected corners of storytelling.

Lets check out the poster art.

Talk to Me is a 2022 Australian supernatural horror film directed by Danny and Michael Philippou (RackaRacka 2013-2016) and written by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman (Debut), based on a concept by Daley Pearson (#7dayslater). It stars Sophie Wilde (The Portable Door 2023) , Alexandra Jensen (Beat 2022), Joe Bird (Rabbit 2017), Miranda Otto (War of the Worlds 2005), Zoe Terakes (Wentworth 2013-2021)

Talk To Me Synopsis

When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits with an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill and high-stakes party game — until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.

Setup – From Mummified Hand to Supernatural Enigma

A group of unsuspecting friends encounters a mummified hand, an eerie artifact that becomes their conduit to the unknown. Initially, their discovery unfolds with lighthearted revelry, turning ordinary house parties into macabre soirées filled with seances and spectral encounters. However, as the age-old adage warns, curiosity often summons dark forces, and in this case, it unleashes unimaginable malevolence.

The narrative’s core theme, one of possession and supernatural reckoning, may sound familiar, yet the Philippou brothers imbue it with a unique aura, deviating from the standard horror playbook and captivating the audience from the outset.

We’re humbled to see that high school still never really ends. This tale is set against an Australian Gen Z’ers backdrop and delves into a collision of curiosity and the supernatural, ushering in a narrative of profound consequence. The Philippou brothers’ storytelling prowess transforms the familiar theme into an extraordinary and gripping cinematic experience. The unearthing of the eerie hand inexorably alters their lives, painting a portrait of curiosity’s perilous dance with the unknown.

“If you die while they’re in you, they have you forever…” – Joss

The Payoff – Let Me In..

In the electrifying crescendo of Talk to Me, this disturbing cinematic delight meticulously crafts dread with an expert’s touch. It’s a symphony of unease that ensnares the viewer, transcending the corporeal realm and plunging us headlong into the supernatural. Here, my dear moviegoers, we find Talk to Me operating at the zenith of its power, a deliberate, measured pacing that’s an artful departure from those cheap, jarring jump scares.

Mia’s torment, brought to life with raw emotion and impeccable depth, takes center stage as she faces the remorse of her ill-fated experiment. The spirits she’s summoned, once mere whispers, now converge into a deafening apex, demanding retribution.

But what sets this film apart, my friends, is not just its mastery of horror but its profound exploration of the human psyche, the consequences of perilous choices, and the elusive boundary between reality and the otherworldly. With the precision of a master magician, Talk to Me leaves us in awe of its craft.

The haunting resonance it leaves in its wake, long after the credits roll, is a testament to its prowess. Talk to Me is a chilling, thought-provoking tour de force of elevated horrors, an experience that transcends modern thrillers, and it is not to be missed.

Final Thoughts – I Smell a Sequel..

In an era inundated with formulaic horror tropes, Talk to Me emerges as a breath of fresh air, akin to stumbling upon a hidden treasure in the vast caverns of cinematic artistry. Astonishingly, this production, with a budget dwarfed by industry standards ($4.5 million) , has defied expectations by amassing a staggering $88.4 million in revenue globally, making Talk to Me A24’s highest profitable film. The Philippou brothers’ approach to horror is a challenge to the senses, a lingering and haunting experience that transcends the confines of the theater.

As the internet echo chamber rumbles of a sequel or even an anthology of severed medium hand possessions (eat your heart out, Thing Adams), we anxiously await their future projects. I cannot help but reflect on the potential of these fresh voices in the genre. Talk to Me stands as a testament to the boundless horizons of creative storytelling. If you seek a horror experience that not only captivates but lingers in the mind, this is a film that demands your attention and contemplation. 

Check out the trailer below!