Horror fans are going to have fun with Talk to Me.
In ‘Talk to Me,’ the newest supernatural horror film distributed by A24, traditional party staples like drugs and alcohol take a backseat to a new party craze: speaking to the dead. Friends gather around as a volunteer – or victim – grabs a creepy embalmed hand and says, “Talk to me,” allowing them to come face-to-face with a spirit. However, this party trick comes with a catch: holding the embalmed hand for too long could potentially unleash supernatural forces into the world of the living permanently.
With such a premise, it shouldn’t be surprising that the activities depicted in the feature film debut of Australian twin filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou quickly turn for the worse. The film doesn’t overly rely on jump scares and instead takes its time introducing you to the various spirits who, more often than not, present themselves in quite the grotesque form. It’s atmospheric and hair-raising, causing even the most seasoned horror fans to squirm in their seats.
The film revolves around Mia, played by Australian actress Sophie Wilde in her debut feature. After her mother’s recent passing, Mia attempts to communicate with the spirits. Wilde impeccably portrays horror and possession while also delivering serious moments with conviction. The film contains social commentary. However, friends film each other possessed by spirits for social media clout and laughs. The Philippou brothers create depraved montages of partygoers communicating with the dead before everything goes south.
Verdict
I give ‘Talk to Me’ 3.5 out of 5 stars. It is a horror film with an eerie and chilling atmosphere that sets it apart from other horror movies. The performances and scares are sure to satisfy even the toughest horror critics, and the Philippou brothers show great potential in this genre.
Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and Subscribe to our YouTube.
Drew Munhausen
Media and Movie Mastermind who co-hosts the Moviegoers Society Podcast and Fresh out the Pod.