Talk to Me

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.

  • Released: 2023-07-28
  • Runtime: 95 minutes
  • Genre: Horror, Thrillers
  • Stars: Sophie Wilde, Miranda Otto, Ari McCarthy, Cass Cumerford, Harli Ames, Otis Dhanji, Sarah Brokensha, Robin Northover, Alexandria Steffensen, Jodie Dry, Zoe Terakes, Chris Alosio, Jem O'Callaghan, Marcus Johnson, Leonardo Dantès
  • Director:
 Comments
  • Ram-Jun - 13 June 2024
    Breath of Fresh For Horror Fans!
    Talk To Me is a refreshing take on the classic possession story. While the premise of summoning spirits isn't new, the movie throws in some genuinely surprising twists and keeps you hooked by its unique execution.

    One of the things I loved most about Talk To Me was the casting. Filled with fresh faces, the actors brought a sense of unpredictability to the screen. I didn't know what to expect from them, and their performances reflected the film's own unsettling atmosphere.

    Talk to Me takes a familiar premise - teenagers messing with the occult - and injects it with a fresh dose of horror. The film centers around a group of friends who discover a peculiar way to contact the spirit world: an embalmed hand. The ritual is simple - light a candle, touch the hand, and say "Talk to me." But the consequences are anything but. Upping the ante, they add the phrase "Let you in," which sends them on a terrifying trip beyond reality, where they encounter restless spirits.

    The movie brilliantly captures the initial thrill of the unknown. The teenagers, fueled by curiosity and a touch of recklessness, see the hand as a game, a gateway to forbidden experiences. This mirrors the seductive power of a dangerous drug - the initial rush masking the potential for devastation.

    There was a part in the film that I found particularly interesting. As the story progresses, there's a scene where Mia attempts to enter the spirit world to find Riley, only to discover him trapped in an endless cycle of torment. This scene brought to my mind the classic horror film Wishmaster. Just like the djinn in Wishmaster granting twisted wishes, the hand in Talk to Me offers a terrifying cost for its seemingly harmless power which in a way can remind us to be careful what you wish for.

    "Talk to Me" is a chilling horror film that delivers on strong performances and a mind-blowing ending. The cast is phenomenal, breathing life into their characters. Whether they're sharing a laugh, pulling a prank, or succumbing to sheer terror, their emotions feel genuine. Each character is well-developed, their personalities and relationships unfolding naturally through dialogue and interaction. You'll find yourself invested in their fates, making the scares all the more impactful.

    The film's pacing however falters a bit midway through. While the initial set-up and character building are strong, the middle section could have benefited from tighter editing. There's a lull in the action that might test your patience. However, Keep watching! Because when the story kicks back into high gear, it delivers a truly shocking and satisfying conclusion. If you're a fan of unpredictable twists that leave you reeling, this film will not disappoint.

    All in all, this is a decent flick with an interesting premise. While the pacing might drag a bit, the fantastic performances and the incredible ending make "Talk to Me" a worthwhile watch for horror fans.
  • bobstrauss-07484 - 10 May 2024
    Epic
    "Talk to Me" is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Sophie Wilde and Alexandra Jensen deliver powerhouse performances that elevate this horror film to new heights. The chemistry between the two leads is electric, adding depth to their characters' dynamic as they navigate the terrifying twists and turns of the plot.

    So while Zoe's presence may be prominent in the marketing, it's the powerful performances of Jensen and Wilde that truly steal the spotlight in this chilling cinematic experience.

    "A24 does it again with 'Talk to Me'!
  • altsgrd - 16 April 2024
    Refreshing take on supernatural horror
    This movie had me sitting here smiling while watching... not because I've gone slightly mad from all the horror movies I've sat through (I don't think so anyway), but because "Talk to Me" actually felt fresh and I didn't expect that.

    It's strange because we've seen most of it before. Group of teenagers, sure. People being possessed by spirits, yep. An inclusive female lead, you got it. A kangaroo though... I can't say I've ever seen a kangaroo in a horror movie before but what a wonderful way to emphasize the movie's Australian origin.

    What really strikes me as refreshing though is that the spirit possession is unlike those of "The Exorcist", "The Conjuring" and even the "Ouija" movies. The Philippou twins chose a more tongue-in-cheek approach here that is both light-hearted and gruesome at the same time.

    The beginning is almost comedic until the breaking point where the tone changes to something much more sinister and concludes in poetic irony - it's quite impressive considering the mere 90ish min runtime.

    We get a bit of depth with the backstory of Sophie Wilde's character - who by the way does a terrific job. The acting is mostly fine but she definitely stands out with her expressive face. Great cinematography and a piercing sound design that reminds me of Raimi's "Drag Me To Hell" (some people like that, some don't).

    "Talk to Me" is not up there with the best of the best but it delivers much more than I thought it would and therefore, to me, is a great addition to the horror genre - don't skip this one!