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REVIEW
July 28, 2023
Talk to Me (2023)
Utilizing the concept of avid curiosity gone too far, 'Talk to Me' unveils the chilling brilliance of the Philippou brothers, marking a thrilling debut with their horror production. By: Syahmi Zulqarnain
Story: 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.
Length: The horror film has a runtime of 1 hour and 34 mins.
Cast: The film is written & directed by Danny and Micheal Philippou, from the sensational YouTube channel RackaRacka.
The film features young, new talent such as Ari McCarthy as Cole, Hamish Phillips as Tyson, Kit Erhart-Bruce as Peck, Sarah Brokensha as Fiona, Jayden Davison as Jayden, Sunny Johnson as Duckett, Sophie Wilde as Mia, and Marcus Johnson as Max, among others.
Review: "Talk To Me" is a thrilling horror film directed and written by Danny and Micheal Philippou, known for their RackaRacka YouTube channel. The story revolves around a group of suburban teens who stumble upon an occult craze involving a creepy embalmed hand that can summon spirits. As they become obsessed with this chilling new thrill, they soon discover that there are terrifying supernatural forces at play.
Sophie Wilde portrays Mia, a young woman who is grieving the loss of her mother to an apparent overdose. Despite assurances that her mother's death was accidental, Mia's father Max, played by Marcus Johnson, avoids discussing the matter. Seeking companionship, Mia spends time with her friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen), Jade's younger brother Riley (Joe Bird), and their mother Sue (Miranda Otto), becoming like an extended member of their family.
In the suburbs, rumours spread about an occult phenomenon at parties involving a mysterious china hand, rumoured to be a severed hand encased in ceramics. The hand holds the power to summon spirits, but with a sinister catch: if someone invites the spirit in and allows it to remain for more than 90 seconds, the spirit will permanently possess their body. Curious and reckless, the young partygoers take turns with the hand, recording their eerie 90-second encounters on social media.
As the teens indulge in their ritualized madness fuelled by substances and dysfunction, Mia makes a shocking discovery. During one haunting encounter, she realizes that the ghost inside someone is her deceased mother, who seems to have unfinished business related to her death and Mia's father. Eager for answers, Mia pushes the boundaries of the 90-second rule, unleashing unforeseen consequences.
In the end, "Talk To Me" stands out as a thrilling and confrontational horror film that dares to take risks. The Philippou brothers prove their capabilities with their direction. With the choice in setting and characters, the story of the film felt realistic and raw, thus adding to the authenticity of the experience. The film then navigates through its plot with unapologetic verve, exploring themes of pleasure, danger, and unchecked curiosity. With just the right amount of crass humour and a touch of pathos, the movie delves into the psychological effects of the supernatural and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human comprehension without feeling too exhausting.
As the film concludes, viewers are left wondering if a sequel will explore the repercussions of a creepy double-grip with another mysterious hand.
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