"Talk to Me": The Punk-Energy Scary Movie
Meet Michael and Danny Philippou, the talented young filmmakers from Adelaide. Their journey began as production runners on the Australian horror classic "The Babadook," but they gained a cult following for their YouTube film spoofs under the handle RackaRacka. Now, with their debut feature, they've unleashed a blast of wild punk energy and gleeful anarchy, creating a terrific scary movie that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
The film kicks off with an electrifying opening party scene that outshines many horror movies, and even other genres. If the Sex Pistols were to direct a version of "The Monkey's Paw," it might look something like this - a chilling adventure with an undertow of pathos, playfully ironic in its exploration of emotional pain and the consequences of suppressing feelings.
Sophie Wilde stars as Mia, a young woman haunted by her mother's tragic death from an accidental overdose. Mia's father, Max (Marcus Johnson), remains tight-lipped about the incident, leaving her to grapple with her grief alone. Seeking solace, Mia becomes an honorary member of her friend Jade's (Alexandra Jensen) family, spending time with Jade's younger brother Riley (Joe Bird) and their mother Sue (Miranda Otto).
In the suburbs, rumors of an occult craze at parties start circulating on social media. A group of kids acquires a creepy china hand, rumored to be an actual severed hand encased in ceramic. Holding the hand and saying "talk to me" allows one to see a dead person, and inviting them in allows the ghost to invade their consciousness. However, if the 90-second limit is exceeded, the dead person takes over the host's body permanently. Drunk, giggling kids have been experimenting with the hand, timing their eerie 90-second trips on their iPhones.
What unfolds is a tale of ritualized group psychosis, fueled by substances and sexual dysfunction - or is it something more? Mia discovers that her late mother's ghost is one of those trapped inside someone, trying to convey a message about her death and Mia's father. Desperate for answers, Mia pushes the 90-second limit to a catastrophic outcome.
"Talk to Me" is a freaky, confrontational, and darkly humorous film that fearlessly charges through its plot progressions. The young characters mirror Joel Schumacher's "Flatliners," seeking pleasure and danger without thoughtful qualms. As the story unfolds, it poses the question: will the Philippou brothers discover another haunted hand for a chilling sequel?
"Talk to Me" leaves audiences haunted, thrilled, and eager to see what's next from these talented filmmakers. With its raw energy and daring storytelling, this movie will undoubtedly linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
