Prepare to be on the edge of your seat with “Talk to Me,” the thrilling horror debut from Australian duo Danny and Michael Philippou. The film follows a group of Australian teens who stumble upon an embalmed hand that allows them to communicate with the dead. As they delve deeper into the dark world of spirits, they soon realize that playing with the undead comes with grave consequences.
In typical horror fashion, the teens’ ill-advised decisions lead to disastrous outcomes. The hand’s sinister power allows them to host a spirit as long as they remain in contact with it. However, if they surpass ninety seconds, they risk being stuck with the spirit permanently. The allure of being possessed proves irresistible to the teens, despite the loss of control and disturbing acts that follow, like French kissing a dog.
The concept behind “Talk to Me” draws inspiration from classic tales like “The Monkey’s Paw” and “Flatliners.” While some may find it hard to believe, the film embraces the supernatural premise unapologetically. It’s a wild ride of horror that even fans of J-horror will appreciate, presented with a modern twist.
Sophie Wilde delivers a strong performance as Mia, the traumatized heroine whose mother recently committed suicide. Shutting out her well-meaning father, Max (Marcus Johnson), she seeks comfort in a surrogate family led by Sue (Miranda Otto), whose daughter Jade (Alexandra Jensen) is Mia’s best friend. The family unit is torn apart when Jade becomes addicted to the malevolent hand and allows her little brother, Riley (Joe Bird), to take a turn.
The Philippou brothers pull no punches in this film, delivering chilling make-up effects reminiscent of “The Evil Dead.” The scenes depicting the purgatory where the possessed end up will remind viewers of “Event Horizon.” The entire cast delivers standout performances, with Joe Bird’s portrayal of a possessed individual being particularly noteworthy, evoking memories of Linda Blair’s iconic performance in “The Exorcist.”
“Talk to Me” is a gripping horror film that is likely to become a significant hit for A24. While horror fans will revel in its thrills, it’s worth noting that some of the imagery is disturbing, especially a scene involving a wounded, dying kangaroo. Despite its unsettling moments, the film proves to be thoroughly entertaining, showcasing the promising talents of the Philippou brothers.
With this compelling debut, Danny and Michael Philippou have undoubtedly set themselves up for bright and successful careers in the horror genre. “Talk to Me” is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts and promises to leave audiences craving more from these talented Australian filmmakers.
