Talk to Me (2023) Review!!

Synopsis – When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill, until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.

My Take – By now we all know that A24 has earned their excellent reputation by putting out excellent art house films, particularly in the horror genre, and their latest is no different.

Raking in $10 Million over the weekend, marking A24’s second-biggest debut since Hereditary (2018), this Australian horror earns its success by being a truly disturbing and uncomfortable viewing experience in the most effective ways. Helmed by first time filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, known for their YouTube channel RackaRacka, this one is a terrifying film that pulls no punches while mixing shrieking horror and psychological nuance.

Sure, it may sound like yet another horror feature about grief and trauma but it’s also a really good exploration of the lack of real connection in the social media age. Most importantly, the film’s unique take on possession cleverly depicts the struggles associated with grief and depression.

Yes, the minimalist approach to the frights might deter fans looking for jump scares and tons of bloodshed, but the film maintains a sense of dread throughout through its impressive use of sound, practical effects, and meaningful cinematography. All of which are further bolstered by Sophie Wilde‘s powerful lead performance. Directors Danny and Michael Philippou deserve praise for their efforts and I hope the film gets the attention it deserves, mainly for being something familiar, unique and timely at the same time.

The story follows 17-year-old Mia (Sophie Wilde) who is still struggling with the untimely death of her mother two years ago. Being emotionally distant from her father, Mia prefers to spend time hanging out at the home of her best friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen), who lives with her single mother, Sue (Miranda Otto), and younger brother Riley (Joe Bird).

Things get exciting at a house party, when one of the trio’s friends produces a mysterious ceramic hand etched with cryptic writing, a viral sensation among schoolmates, that can be used to conjure evil spirits, allowing the one grasping the haunted limb become possessed by a dead soul, albeit for only a minute. And when Mia tries it herself, she becomes hooked on the new thrill, that is until one of the séances goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.

While the premise may sound like many other films about teens dabbling in the dark arts, each of the séances are shot like they’re in your stoner friend’s basement in college. We see one by one, the kids getting possessed while the others pull out their phones and laugh at how strung out they get.

Most importantly, it is the very dark and foreboding story that brings some originality to its initial setup. The exploration of grief and its impact on relationships adds an emotional layer to the film, making it more than just a standard horror flick. Mia’s emotional turmoil surrounding her mother’s suicide adds depth to her character, and her strained relationship with her father Max evokes sympathy.

For all the film’s occult trappings, directors Philippous along with co-writer Bill Hinzman are more interested in telling a story about young people riddled with anxiety, seeking escape in dangerously illicit rituals that get them out of their heads literally. However, the film’s strongest aspect lies in its eerie and haunting visuals.

Sure, there aren’t any massive jump scares, but the portrayal of possessed characters and ghostly apparitions is genuinely unsettling, creating an atmosphere of dread and fear. The unsettling imagery effectively adds to the film’s horror elements and leaves a lasting impression on the audience. The scenes with the hand were legitimately scary and tense with a very unpredictable nature to it. Something will appear on screen without any musical accompaniment, which makes it better.

Admittedly the film could’ve gone a step further with the psychological angle and the film could’ve afforded to keep us in the dark longer, making the audience feel as conflicted as its protagonist. Nevertheless, the climax is still a nail-biter, leading to a somewhat obvious resolution, yet a clever one nonetheless.

Performance wise, Sophie Wilde is absolutely incredible. Along with being excellent in the uncomfortable possessed scenes, Wilde convincingly plays a teen in mourning and conveying the addictive nature of the titular game at the center of the film. She is well supported by Alexandra Jensen and Joe Bird, who share a compelling onscreen chemistry with Wilde.

Miranda Otto‘s portrayal of an overbearing parent is also a highlight. In other roles, Zoe Terakes, Otis Dhanji and Chris Alosio are also good. On the whole, ‘Talk to Me’ is a well written horror with chilling practical effects and utterly convincing performances.