Talk to Me (2023), Dir Danny and Michael Phillppou, Altitude Film Entertainment.

4.5****: Matthew Alicoon

Runtime: 114 Minutes

Talk to Me follows a group of friends who discover using an embalmed hand conjures up spirits for a set time limit of 90 seconds, in which after they must close off the spirit. The thrill turns into a deadly obsession where devastating consequences start happening throughout.

For a feature debut, Talk to Me is a phenomenally accomplished horror film from Danny and Michael Phillppou. It is astounding to believe the directors were YouTubers with their channel RackaRacka. There are several points in the film where it gets under your skin in such a discomforting and relenting way. A pivotal attribute of Talk to Me is that it does not have accustomed horror topes of the jump scare cliché, as rather than being quiet quiet bang, there is a bone-chilling terror created through the mystique atmosphere. The film taps into the spectacle that can come from a ritual like this, grounding the film brilliantly. The intellect of Talk to Me is comprehensive and bizarrely unanticipated.

The opening sequence is horrifyingly grim but it provokes an instant wow factor within the first 3 minutes. There is the immediate question of can the film maintain its suspension? but the dramatic tone is prominent throughout. The first ritual has harmonious camerawork working in unison with the actor creating a prompt sense of unease. Sophie Wilde’s line delivery is spectacularly orchestrated in the initial ritual. The film is a slow burn horror but when the carnage happens the film never lets up. The breadth of the narrative expands in an alarming manner throughout.

The performances are energetic yet perfectly represent the notion of being possessed, as you never feel like you are watching performers pretend to be possessed. You fully believe the characters are possessed. The makeup job during the possession sequences is bewildering, as it is greatly realistic. Sophie Wilde beautifully encapsulates the poetic undertones of Mia, as she is a relatable protagonist who has just lost her mother. The film has a lot to say on the afterlife and being able to have one more conversation with a deceased loved one, regardless of what form that may be. Talk to Me is surprisingly rich in terms of overall thematic substance and dramatic engagement.

Outside of the themes, Talk to Me is just such an enthralling watch. As you wonder how the narrative can top itself but as the film progresses sequences hit you in the face about 6-7 times where you just go wow constantly. The finale is edge of your seat tension but the final 3 minutes are perfection. You can predict the tone of the ending but how it gets there with such momentum is the true strength of the film. The final 15 seconds are the chefs kiss of a horror film this year with an absolute knockout of an ending.

Talk to Me goes above and beyond the safe studio horrors such as The Pope’s Exorcist, Evil Dead Rise and Insidious: The Last Key paving the way for a very interesting viewing. It is so entertaining, fabulously engrossing and profoundly deep at times too.

Cast

Sophie Wilde as Mia

Alexandra Jensen as Jade

Joe Bird as Riley

Miranda Otto as Sue

Otis Dhanji as Daniel

Zoe Terakes as Hayley