The Reel Review
When a group of friends discover how to summon supernatural spirits by touching an embalmed hand, they begin a thrilling new adventure – at least until they unleash a terrifying occult force into their world. Sophie Wilde (You Don’t Know Me, Eden) and Mirando Otto star in this Australian supernatural horror/thriller.
In their directorial debut, twin brothers and YouTube sensations Danny and Michael Philippou craft a thrilling, terrifying tale, using shockingly realistic horror and gore-laden practical effects in a modern spin on the typical trope-filled tale of crossing over to the other side. The dialogue, the young people addicted to their phones and their recreational drug-like thrill of summoning the dead – despite its obvious danger – is all very authentic.
With a recurring, underlying theme of unresolved trauma, Wilde’s Mia, Joe Bird (First Day) as Mia’s best friend’s little brother Riley, and Miranda Otto as his mom are the acting standouts among the impressive cast. The plot starts to unravel a bit in the third act, but quickly redeems itself with a punchy finish. Talk to Me is one terrifying ride.
REEL FACTS
• Adeleide filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou, who have more than 6.5 million subscribers on YouTube as RackaRacka, started their film careers as production runners on the 2014 Australian horror film The Babadook.
• Talk to Me is the feature film debut by Australian television actress Sophie Wilde, who will next appear in two Netflix series, Everything Now and Boy Swallows Universe.
• Australian Mirando Otto’s acting credits include Homeland, 24: Legacy, and as Éowyn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy – a voice role she will reprise in the 2024 animé prequel, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.
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