Talk to Me is an enthralling take on a classic horror standby: possession. The directorial debut of twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou – who first rose to prominence posting videos of outrageous stunts to their YouTube channel, RackaRacka – it commands a level of sophistication typically reserved for genre vets. Great pacing and a solid attention to visual details – characters appearing slightly out of frame or focus, muted lighting, invasive close-ups – help to establish an uneasy vibe. Sound is used to tremendous effect as well, with eerie silence preceding a gradual build of voices, bangs, and bumps that eventually culminates in a shocking display of violence. And that’s all before teenaged Mia (Sophie Wilde) starts communicating with the dead.
Nearly devoid of jump scares, it’s the uncertainty brought on by Talk to Me’s foreboding atmosphere that initially frightens. This feeling is heightened by clever foreshadowing: When a group of Mia’s classmates latches on to a viral sensation involving an embalmed hand and conjured spirits, it’s easy to imagine how things can go wrong. It’s the subtle nods to a lingering trauma, however, that eclipse the expected nature of this self-destructive behavior, something that’s expertly showcased through Wilde’s portrayal of a grief-riddled Mia. Heartbroken yet essentially numb to the world, Mia’s eagerness to feel much of anything colors her actions. Wilde’s withdrawn mannerisms and passionate appeals for companionship speak to the conflicting nature of loss. She’s equally convincing at playing a teen in mourning and conveying the addictive nature of the titular game at the center of Talk to Me.
The rest of the cast does an awesome job as well. Alexandra Jensen and Joe Bird genuinely seem like a real brother and sister. Playing Mia’s friends Jade and Riley, their onscreen chemistry is compelling to watch, especially during key moments when the typical sibling rivalry turns into heartfelt concern. Miranda Otto, no stranger to horror herself, is surprisingly kept away from the supernatural occurrences as Riley and Jade’s mother, Sue. That said, her portrayal of an overbearing parent is still a highlight. Thanks to a few well-timed jokes and some convincing displays of emotion, Sue’s callous response in the face of tragedy goes over better than expected; Otto’s acting does more than just rile up the audience, she also showcases another side of grief while acting as a source of much needed levity in an otherwise dark film. Zoe Terakes’ Hayley makes for a likable rebel while Otis Dhanji does nuanced work as Jade’s boyfriend Daniel.
Talk to Me centers on the importance of the grieving process and how escapism, by way of a euphoria-inducing vice, can lead to problems. Mia’s plight acts as a shrewd vehicle for delivering that message. So much so, that even when a deadly encounter with a conniving ghost comes to a predictable end, it still manages to land a punch to the gut. Subtle dismay or overt horror, there is a lot to like here.
For long-time horror fans, it can be difficult to find new films in the genre genuinely scary. What makes a film good or bad to some fans can usually be attributed to how well it delivers on and/or subverts genre conventions; it’s less about personal feelings of fear leading to a thrilling experience and more about witnessing a strong representation of horror. While Talk to Me manages to terrify, its minimalist approach to horror may still deter hardened fans. The emphasis here is on unnerving the audience rather than startling them; the Philippou brothers prize a sense of dread followed by a few impactful scares as opposed to constant shrieks and thrown popcorn. There are also the ghosts, which look marvelous thanks to an impressive use of prosthetics and practical effects. Slow and deliberate, their manifestations are akin to experiencing sleep paralysis; characters struggle to look away as an unsightly figure slowly crawls towards them. Definitely creepy.
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