I always love seeing Australian cinema out there. And movies about demons...spirits etc. They're something I'm especially keen on.
Talk to Me is about Mia, a girl grieving her mother's sudden death two years prior. She is introduced to this unbelievable game that her classmates play where they set a ceramic hand on the table, grasp it and say "talk to me", leading something out there to come to the other side.
This movie doesn't shy away from gore, and it's especially impactful as the characters are teenagers. The tension builds in each scene, almost explosively delivered in horrifying outcomes (especially given the sound mixing and how freaking loud it is). There's not really noticeable music in this film, just the regular bush doof pumping beats but nothing I really enjoyed and it still keeps its jump scares kind of obvious with the sound cues.
The story unravels with really great pacing but I found Mia's character development to be a little weak. I can justify it by seeing her as just a teenager out there, lost and alone. She's an outcast because her family changed, no one can relate to her and she's sad and a downer. She's still grieving her mother and the movie's core concept puts her back at the start of her grief journey. She's drawn in by having a connection to someone, by feeling like she's part of a group...which leads her to make poor choices. I did feel like we needed more growth to come through - she has a found family who love her and care for her but she still almost falls to the words of her spirit mum, she's not able to see what's really surrounding her...and that didn't make that much sense to me. It's obvious she cherishes Riley and Jade, and feels loved by them. so I needed more convincing to believe that the script choices were ones she would make.
I did wonder if her wearing yellow in every scene was just style choices or a symbol of her place in her grief journey and joy...but I'm not sure.
I did really enjoy the ending sequences of the film and how it tied back to its lore. It's a solid film and worth the watch.
So much hype around Talk to Me, I thought it must be great, it must break new ground or put such a fresh spin on ghost stories.
Nope, not really.
Just like the movies from Ari Aster, and Jordan Peele, there is nothing new here and I don't understand what all the fuss is about.
Have you not seen Insidious (2010) or Ringu (1998)? And those are just the examples that immediately come to mind.
Originality aside, the movie is well made: every part from the acting, to the lighting, to the special effects, it's all well done. Trouble is, If I made a carbon copy of The Shining (1980), but gave it a different name, and modified it just enough that casual movie watchers would not make the connection, that doesn't suddenly make it a masterpiece.
Much like Hereditary (2018), and Midsommar (2019) this is using horror as a vehicle for how people process grief. While I think Talk to Me does a better job with it, the trope is already getting old.
The movie is also touching upon addiction, and the failure to understand that actions have consequences. So, yeah, well written, many parts that I liked, but it simply never delivered any moments that I haven't seen thousands of times already.
If you've never watched any ghost or possession movies, you'll probably like this.
First of all, when I first watched the official trailer of the movie I really liked it and I was so hyped about that movie. The plot of the movie was very interesting, mysterious and kinda innovative. The storyline was kinda well-written and most parts were well-explained. The characters were very interesting, well-developed and really likeable (especially, the group of friends). The casting was really good, even though most of them weren't well-known actors and their acting was descent. It wasn't a very scary movie, even though there were some jumpscares and creepy moments during the movie. Sadly, there weren't many death scenes on that movie and most of them weren't done onscreen. However, it was a very intense movie and full of chaotic scenes. The opening scene was definitely unpredictable, very fast paced and really promising. The ending scene was definitely unpredictable and kinda shocking. Moreover, the cinematography of the movie was really good and the editing was amazing. Overall, "Talk to Me" was a unique horror movie, intense, creepy and I would definitely recommend it to my friends. Last but not least, I'm definitely looking forward for the sequel and I really wish it's gonna be way more explicit than this movie.
A24 is famous for making unique horror movies that are different from the typical big-studio ones. While some of their films don't hit the mark completely, they usually bring something interesting to the table. Surprisingly, "Talk to Me" isn't just an artistic, slow-building scary movie; it appeals to a broader audience beyond the usual A24 fans.
The film tackles the horrors of irrational teenage behavior, the dangers of peer pressure, and the feeling of being isolated quite skillfully. It also deals with grief in a realistic way, as the main young characters each face their own challenges. While not every actor in the cast is outstanding, the main ones do a pretty good job. These characters are more developed compared to those in recent horror films, even though they make questionable decisions. The film's main focus is on the dangers of peer pressure.
Now, the big question for a horror movie is whether it's genuinely scary. "Talk to Me" doesn't rely heavily on those sudden jump scares, and when they do happen, they're well-done and not just thrown in lazily. Instead, the film's ability to give you the creeps and stick with you comes from a mix of a good build-up and striking visuals. Despite having a small budget, the movie excels on a technical level, especially when it comes to creative camera work, especially when the demon takes control of the characters.
The writing makes the characters relatable, and the visuals make the scary parts even scarier. It might not be the "scariest film since Hereditary," but it's got some seriously spooky moments. The ending might not work for everyone, but personally, I liked how the film wrapped things up
Horror isn't my genre, but I can still recognize when it's at the top of its game. This is the top of its game. A premise that feels simultaneously familiar and fresh. Fantastic production that sells the moments of slow dread just as well as the moments of explosive horror. Generally excellent performances from fresh faces (at least fresh to me). Just an impressive showing all around. I can't help but compare it to Hereditary, often cited as one of the best of modern "elevated" horror films. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if this film's creators pointed to Hereditary as a direct inspiration for at least one scene (Alex Wolff smashing his head into his desk). So, how does this film compare? Honestly, I enjoyed it far more. So often "elevated" horror just feels like a license for ill defined rules where scary things happen without rhyme or reason and inconclusive or unsatisfying endings are the norm. That may work for some people, but I generally prefer a more conventional structure. It's often why the opening act of horror films is the one I judge them on most, as that's when the film still resembles the real world and I can judge it against all films, rather than just against a genre where the bar is a bit lower (maybe a lot lower). This film's pre-horror portion is fantastic, quickly establishing interesting characters/relationships with strong dialogue. But more importantly, and unlike Hereditary, this film didn't lose me once the horror starts. It enters the story in a natural way and establishes rules so that the audience has some bearings on what to expect. They even pull off a tight rope ending that is just the right balance of bad ending/good ending.
I know this review sounds quite glowing, so a 7/10 might seem inconsistent, but that's largely because horror is just not my bag. Plus, I do think Mia's character started to suffer from some horror clichés in the back half with respect to frustratingly poor decision making (I know, I know, she's basically possessed, but still).
Punchy, scrappy and so much fun, Talk to Me is an elevated-horror inspired flick dripping in Gen Z sensibilities and with a point to prove. While it doesn't have equal polish to it's peers in this ever growing genre, for a first outing by the Phillipou brothers it's an absolutely astonishing first swing at the bat. Deeper than Smile but not quite as refined as the upper echelon it's echoing, Talk To Me is instantly the best horror of 2023 and demands a viewing from genre fans. Just be sure to give it the viewing it deserves. Close the curtains, crank the sound system and strap in. It's one hell of a ride.
Edit: Just finished my second viewing and I enjoyed it just as much as my first go round. Lots more details jumped out at me this time, like the parallel between the kangaroo shot and the finale shot of Mia in the road. Duckett and the surrounding scenario was clearer, and more nuances to the metaphor of this being about drug abuse, the use of drugs as a crutch and the damage it does to those around you are also more prominent. I don't think it'll boost my score, but I still think this is a great first outing and one of my favourite horror movies of the last few years. Definitely one I'll keep around to watch again from time to time.
8.5/10
What a
Sensational way
for a new horror trilogy
to kickoff.
With
Talk to me:
Talk 2 me:
Talk to me untitled prequel
Talk to me
is an absolute treat to
Horror fans this is one
of the best Horror movies
of 2023, much much better
than Evil Dead 2023
and definitely a more
entertaining and solid
Horror than the
Insidious franchise
especially
Insidious the red door
2023 where literally the
franchise just goes to
shit at this point.
Talk to me gets it
right on every level
and knows exactly the
story it wants to tell.
Speaking of what a unique,
fresh and interesting story
usually in so many
Teen Horror movies
It's when shit goes sideways
and the spirits start popping
that the good stuff starts
but uniquely these
Numbnuts know exactly
what they are doing
and they are not shy
about it.
(What could go wrong).
The VFX are amazing
and the tension and
scares are awesome,
and the twists and surprises
are wonderful.
what's not to
Love about this kick ass
Horror, I had high expectations
for this gem and it certainly
did not disappoint.
I am absolutely thrilled
I will own this on
Blu Ray before
31st OCTOBER 2023
so I'll be able to do
a rewatch as part of
My 31 days of Horror.
I am even more happy
that this movie is part
of a planned trilogy
with the 3rd installment
being a prequel.
Verdict:
Highly recommended
if you love great Horror
movies then you are
certainly going to love this.
#supportthefranchise
Review by BoyanBlockedParent2023-08-15T06:17:58Z
The film Talk to Me is a well-made and suspenseful horror film with a strong emotional core. Sophie Wilde gives a star-making performance as Mia, and the supporting cast is also excellent. The film is sure to please fans of the horror genre.
Mia is a teenage girl who is still reeling from the death of her mother two years ago. She is growing estranged from her father and has become close to her mother's friend, Sue, and her family. One day, Mia and Sue's children, Jade and Riley, find a mysterious embalmed hand in the woods. They decide to use it to contact the dead, and they are able to speak to Mia's mother.
Mia is overjoyed to be able to talk to her mother again, but the experience also has a dark side. The spirit of Mia's mother is not as benevolent as she seems, and she begins to possess Mia. Mia's friends and family try to help her, but she is becoming increasingly uncontrollable.
In the end, Mia is able to break free from the spirit's possession, but it is a close call. The experience has left her traumatized, but she has also learned to appreciate her loved ones more.