by Foster Harlfinger, Contributing Writer
“Do it! Do it! Do it!” chant the group of eagerly awaiting teens who lean forward in their seats with phone cameras ready. In the center of the room rests a ghoulish, embalmed hand with long, drawn out fingers. All Mia (Sophie Wilde) has to do is to take hold of the sinister-looking object and voice three simple words: “Talk to me.”
Talk to Me marks the latest horror movie acquired by A24, after beating out Universal Studios in a bidding war for the distribution rights following the film’s strong reception at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. As perhaps the only studio to become a household name in over a decade, A24 has made quite an impression on moviegoers with its own unique brand of horror, and this is certainly no exception.From the first minute of the film to its memorable final scene, Talk to Me is one of the most electric moviegoing experiences of the year.
The film’s dynamic direction comes from twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, best known for running the YouTube channel RackaRacka. Their time spent working on all manner of action, horror, and comedy shorts online clearly paid dividends when it came to shooting Talk to Me, because the film’s confident, in-your-face blend of horror and black comedy never gives its audience any reason to suspect that it is their first feature film.
Through the entire experience, the Philippou brothers’ personality infuses an infectious energy, and you can practically feel their enthusiasm in every scene. Even if the film’s gruesome horror imagery will not be everyone’s cup of tea, the filmmakers’ choice to set the story in their hometown of Adelaide, South Australia results in an unexpectedly down-to-earth quality. Something as simple as allowing the actors to use their natural Australian accents adds such a charm and individuality to what might otherwise be viewed as a conventional horror film.
The film also acts as an excellent showcase for new, young talent in front of the camera. Wilde — the film’s lead for the majority of its runtime — and Joe Bird, each with less than five credits to their name, shine throughout every second they are on screen. Save for an awesomely no-nonsense performance from Miranda Otto, the film spends the majority of its time with a younger cast. Wonderfully, the kids rag on one another like actual teenagers, and the regional specificity of the dialogue only adds to its authenticity and relatability.
Through a series of unforgettable possession sequences, the film quickly escalates once the spirits released by the mysterious hand turn combative. Admittedly, Talk to Me’s strongest moments all occur within its first half. Though certainly not unsatisfying, the final act does not quite fulfill the promise of its supernatural premise. However, this should not deter anyone from seeking out this excellent debut film.
More accessible than A24’s typical horror films like The Witch or Hereditary, the Philippou brothers have cooked up a pure shot of adrenaline in cinematic form. Talk to Me is the best horror movie of the year and continues A24’s undefeated winning streak when it comes to introducing audiences to the most exciting new directors around.
Rating: Loved It
Talk to Me is currently playing in theaters
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