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Talk To Me Review: Overdosing on the occult with the YouTube twins from Down Under

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Ayaan Paul
Ayaan PaulAug 04, 2023 | 17:31

Talk To Me Review: Overdosing on the occult with the YouTube twins from Down Under

Helmed by debut directors Danny and Michael Philippou, the Australian indie horror feature is a immersive concoction that serves up frights with a side of wit. The film whisks us into the tumultuous world of angsty teenagers who discover that microdosing spirits (not the alcoholic kind) might not be the best way to liven up a party.

Talk To Me revolves around an eerie ritual involving a severed embalmed hand, employed to summon spirits from beyond the veil. Ingeniously tapping into the contemporary fascination with the occult (Unsolved and Watcher fans, I see you), the film transforms a seemingly innocuous party game into an ominous descent into the unknown. 

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Against the backdrop of a teenage soiree turned sinister, the narrative unspools with a one-take prologue involving an intense high school party and a tragic fratricide, all set to Lucianblomkamp’s pulse-pounding intro for the film.

This sets the stage for a psychological and supernatural whirlwind that sweeps 17-year-old Mia, portrayed with captivating prowess by Sophie Wilde, into its spiraling vortex. The film utilizes Mia's complex emotional spectrum as its anchor, deftly exploring themes of grief, guilt, and yearning for connection through her eyes.

Mia grapples not only with the emotional baggage of being a teenager but also with the cumbersome ghosts of guilt and grief. As if teen angst weren't enough, she ventures into the world of spectral interactions, undoubtedly a move that this generation would deem as logical as taking a selfie during a ghost sighting.

The film's true charm lies in its ability to make even the most sinister situations relatable. When Mia and her friends engage in a bit of paranormal party entertainment, it’s as if they're all in on the latest Tik Tok trend, where nothing could possibly be ruled as overboard or extreme.

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And then there’s the disembodied hand, the life of the party. It's the kind of party accessory that's both a conversation starter and a conversation stopper. Who needs small talk when you can just light a candle, chant a spell, and engage in some spirited small talk with the dearly departed? Of course, a good host always ensures her guests are entertained, even if it’s at the expense of their sanity and corporeal safety.

Talk to Me emerges not just as one of the scariest films of the year, but also as a thought-provoking allegory for the allure of escapism through substance abuse. The film masterfully weaves the ominous act of conjuring spirits with the modern-day plague of dependency, highlighting the unsettling parallels between seeking solace in the otherworldly and seeking refuge in mind-altering substances. 

The ritualistic game involving the severed embalmed hand becomes a metaphorical substitute for the very real rituals of substance indulgence – a candle-lit gateway to evade reality, if only for a fleeting moment. As the characters venture deeper into this eerie pursuit, it mirrors the spiraling journey of individuals caught in the clutches of addiction, where an initially innocent endeavor slowly devolves into a harrowing dance with malevolent forces.

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The premise embodies the very same idea in its characters' progression from mere curiosity to perilous infatuation. The lure of the spectral world, much like the pull of substance-induced euphoria, promises an escape from the mundane and the painful. The duality of sensations, as seen in the characters' hallucinations and trance-like states, parallels the highs and lows of substance abuse, where brief elation is often followed by a plunge into the abyss. 

Just as the characters grapple with spirits that defy their bidding, the undying urge to experiment in Talk to Me underscores the haunting reality that such self-destructive tendencies are never truly in our command.

Veteran YouTuber’s turned directorial newcomers - Danny and Michael Philippou - maneuver this descent with masterful finesse, employing atmospheric tension-building techniques reminiscent of horror maestros Raimi and Friedkin.

Yet, Talk to Me is no mere emulation of its predecessors; it rouses dormant cinematic motifs with a modern vigor. 

The film boasts a sterling ensemble cast, with Wilde's portrayal of Mia as the linchpin. Her delicate balance of vulnerability and determination paints a poignant picture of a young woman tormented by both internal and external demons. 

In the midst of the spectral shenanigans, we find Mia's emotional journey not unlike that of the average teenager – navigating the intricate maze of relationships and self-discovery while simultaneously contending with malevolent spirits. It’s almost poetic how the film blends supernatural torment with teenage turmoil, as if to say that sometimes, the most haunting experiences are the ones that shape us during our formative years.

This dichotomy between the otherworldly and the internal creates a riveting tapestry of fear and empathy, a true testament to the Philippou brothers' multifaceted storytelling prowess.

Joe Bird's portrayal of Riley, a vessel for otherworldly entities, is a haunting display of possessed performances that would make Linda Blair nod in approval. It's a role that must've made him (a teenager navigating puberty) feel like... a teenager navigating puberty – being possessed by strange forces beyond your control. Wonder if this counts as method.

Though Talk to Me extends its cold embrace beyond its cast, weaving together practical effects, haunting sound design, and cinematography that oscillates between serenity and horror. Cinematographer Aaron McLisky, known for his previous work in acclaimed short films, employs his craft to invoke an atmosphere that's simultaneously unnerving and captivating.

While familiar horror elements punctuate the film, it dances on the edge of convention, refusing to succumb to jump-scare clichés. Instead, it taps into the very essence of terror, orchestrating moments of dread that crawl under the skin and haunt the psyche long after the credits roll (or in my case, accompanied me in the never-ending Uber ride home in the dead of the night). This willingness to dig deeper, to unearth societal anxieties and psychological complexities, is where Talk to Me transcends its genre.

As Mia's journey delves deeper into the supernatural abyss, the lines between reality and illusion blur, mirroring her internal struggle. The film exhibits a unique level of trust in its audience, presenting a fractured narrative that challenges the viewer to discern between genuine spirits and malevolent apparitions. This layered storytelling approach distinguishes Talk to Me as a beacon of “elevated” horror - a genre often relegated to the formulaic and often pretentious norms.

In a genre that often falls into formulaic jump scares, Talk to Me struts to the beat of its own possessed bass track. It invites us to partake in a cinematic séance that taps into deeper fears while managing to crack a smile. 

The Philippou brothers' directorial debut is nothing short of a revelation, infusing new life into classic horror tropes while casting a disconcerting light on contemporary fears. With a riveting narrative, standout performances, and a pervasive atmosphere of dread, Talk To Me has already staked its cult status claims as a modern horror masterpiece.

We’re going with 5 out of 5 stars for Talk To Me.

Last updated: August 04, 2023 | 17:31
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