Director: Michael Philippou, Danny Philippou
Cast: Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, Zoe Terakes, Chris Alosio, Marcus Johnson, Alexandria Steffenson
Screenplay: Danny Philippou, Bill Hinzman
95 mins. Rated R for strong/bloody violent content, some sexual material and language throughout.

2022 was such a great year for horror. Both returning franchises and new horror alike gave audiences a lot to pine for really aided with a returning movie box office following the disastrous pandemic. 2023, on the other hand, has had a few surprises, but it’s mostly been a so-so year, especially following 2022. This year just hasn’t had the consistency of hit after hit that we got accostumed to, so it shocked me to discover Talk to Me, a directorial debut from two filmmakers that got their start in the YouTube space. It shouldn’t have shocked me, though, to learn that Talk to Me premiered at film festivals…in 2022.

Mia (Sophie Wilde, The Portable Door) is heading to a party tonight with her friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen) and she so excited because someone is breaking out the Hand tonight. What happens? You hold the Hand in yours, you say, “Talk to Me,” and then you see the spirit. After that, you invite it in, and you get possessed. Sounds fun, but Mia has to be careful because she’s starting to get addicted to using the Hand. Worse yet, she’s starting to see things that couldn’t possibly be there. Where did it come from, and how can she stop what’s happening to her and her friends?

It’s odd to describe the general premise of Talk to Me without it sounding a little simplistic, but I’ve said it for years: it isn’t the story you tell but how you tell it. With that, it’s clear that Michael and Danny Philippou are capable of telling that story in a unique and compelling manner. The way in which they play out this Hand possession as a parable for teen drug use and peer pressure is both impressive and compelling while not betraying the central story of the narrative.

There are some generally strong performances in the film considering how little experience several of the key players have. While Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King) obviously shines as the parent of Jade, I was also so impressed with Wilde’s lead role as Mia. She carries the film from beginning to end. The cast has solid chemistry as well, particularly seen in the montage of all the characters taking turn with the Hand.

Knowing that Talk to Me is taking the X route and continuing with a sequel and a prequel in various stages of production as I write this, I’m so excited to see how the Philippou’s expand this world, and I can’t wait to see their next tale unfold. See this movie as soon as you can.

4.5/5
-Kyle A. Goethe