Dir: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Cast: Sophie Wilde, Alexandre Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes, Chris Alosio, Marcus Johnson, Alexandria Steffensen
Danny and Michael Philippou’s directorial debut is one of the most brutally shocking horrors of recent times, with stellar performances from its young cast.
‘Talk to Me‘ is the directorial debut of Adelaide-born, twin brothers – Danny and Michael Philippou. In 2013, the brothers created the highly successful YouTube channel RackaRacka, which saw them become internet celebrities overnight despite the channel not being monetized. With the brothers’ childhood love of all things horror, the channel became famous for its intense live action horror comedy videos, which saw them win multiple awards on the Australian online video circuit. Wanting to get their foot in the door of the Australian film industry, Danny and Michael served as production runners on Jennifer Kent’s horror masterpiece The Babadook in 2014.
Six years later, in 2020, the brothers got their wish and had signed on to direct their first feature film, with Danny co-writing the screenplay with Bill Hinzman. After a couple of years on the independent film circuit, the film was sold to numerous international distributors at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, and would go on to premiere at the Adelaide Film festival later that year. Then at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, ‘Talk to Me‘ had its world premiere, where it received stellar reviews which culminated in a bidding war. Distribution rights to the film were eventually handed to the masters of the indie-horror film, A24.
Ever since William Friedkin’s The Exorcist was released fifty years ago, there has been a vast wave of horror films that focus on demonic possession. More often than not, these films fall into the same generic tropes that were first introduced in the iconic 70’s horror flick. ‘Talk to Me‘ is a breath of modern fresh air in the now oversaturated sub-genre, with a unique concept that treats demonic possession as a metaphor for substance abuse and peer pressure.
After the films horrifically jarring cold open, we are introduced to Adelaide high-schooler Mia (Sophie Wilde), on the anniversary of her mother’s untimely death from an accidental overdose of sleeping pills. Feeling alone, with just her father Max (Marcus Johnson) to care for her, Mia has become close to the family of her best friend Jade (Alexandre Jensen), who treat Mia like an adopted member of the household. Mia, Jade and Jade’s younger brother Riley (Joe Bird), sneak out to a house party much to annoyance of the Jade’s distrustful mum, Sue (Miranda Otto).
While at the party, we are introduced to Jade’s boyfriend Daniel (Otis Dhanji), who was once dating Mia prior to her mother’s death. Mia has been somewhat of a recluse since her mum’s accidental suicide, which has seen her ostracised at school, particularly by the much more popular, Hayley (Zoe Terakes), and her friend Joss (Chris Alosio). Hayley and Joss introduce the rest of the group to a porcelain hand that they keep with them in Joss’ backpack. Hayley convinces the gang, much like a peer pressuring drug-pusher, to take part in the spiritual ‘parlour game’ that she uses the hand for. The game involves a participant holding the ‘hand’ and saying the titular words “talk to me, I let you in”, which results in the spirit of a dead person occupying their body and speaking through them. Determined to show up to the popular kids, Mia immediately volunteers to be ‘possessed’, despite Jade’s protests.
The supernatural experience is such a rush for Mia, she arranges another gathering of the group so she can do it over and over again. Hayley, Joss, Daniel and Mia take it in turns subjecting themselves to the undead spirits and everyone is having a great time – just like any house party. This is until the much younger Riley demands to have a go. In his possessed state, Riley begins muttering words that appear to be that of Mia’s mother. Desperate to talk to her mum one last time, Mia loses track of time and Riley goes over the pre-established 90 second exposure limit. The mood in the room suddenly changes, as things go horribly wrong for Riley before the group manages to disengage the ‘hand’ from him. Mia racked with guilt of what has transpired, wants to help Riley, whilst experiencing ghostly visions of her own due to the group not fully closing the portal to the other side.
Considering this is Danny and Michael Philippou’s first attempt at directing a feature length movie – they do an exceptional job. Unlike many horror movies by potentially up and coming filmmakers, the twin brothers opt not to rely heavily on cheap jump scares, but instead focus on unsettling imagery and disgustingly powerful practical effects. This results in some truly brutal sequences that will leave you gawping.
The young cast of relative newcomers are fantastic across the board, with Sophia Wilde being the absolute stand-out in the lead role as the unhinged Mia. She manages to convey the need of belonging as well as living her own life care free with ease, and her large saucer wide eyes fully encapsulate you in the scenes where she is possessed. Between Wilde and Joe Bird as the young and timid Riley, ‘Talk to Me‘ showcases some of the best depictions of demonic possession since Linda Blair’s portrayal of Regan in the previously mentioned The Exorcist.
The central theme of social influence is unsurprising given the directors’ background as YouTubers. Whether it be smoking, drinking or taking hardcore drugs, teenagers have faced group pressure for decades in order to climb the social ladder. Despite the well documented risks, older, more confident teenagers have always encouraged those who look up to them to partake in these activities. ‘Talk to Me‘ takes this social commentary and exaggerates it to the point where teenagers are willing to let demonic spirits occupy their body, just for that extra bit of street cred.
The one aspect of the film that I feel is slightly weak however, is the idea of Mia being haunted by her mother. It never feels as if this sub-plot surrounding the mystery of her mum’s death plays much of a part in the films central themes or plot. The focus of the film seems to be Mia and Jade’s efforts to help Riley, and getting rid of any lingering ghostly presence in the process. Mia’s mother is the primary spirit Riley brings out, but the lack of focus on her, and the questions Mia has for her dad surrounding her mother’s death seem inconsequential.
At its core, ‘Talk to Me‘ is a modern twist on the classic possession sub-genre, and Danny and Michael Philippou manage to deliver a constant sense of dread with plenty of scares. With a dark and cruel tone throughout the film’s second half, it will stick with you long after the credits roll.
Talk to Me will be showing in Cinemas from Friday 28th July
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