Talk to Me – Film Review

Talk to Me, directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, is a film that delves into the supernatural realm, blending elements of horror, drama, and mystery. The narrative follows a group of teenagers who stumble upon an eerie ritual involving communicating with spirits. While the concept holds promise, the execution leaves much to be desired, resulting in a mixed review.

The film opens with a gripping and shocking scene at a crowded house party, setting the tone for what’s to come. The initial setup is engaging, as we are introduced to the main characters and their individual struggles. Mia’s emotional turmoil surrounding her mother’s suicide adds depth to her character, and her strained relationship with her father Max evokes sympathy.

The use of the embalmed hand as a medium to communicate with spirits introduces an intriguing supernatural element. However, the rules governing the ritual’s consequences are not adequately explained, leading to some confusion throughout the story. Additionally, the pace feels somewhat uneven, with certain scenes dragging on while others feel rushed.

The film’s strongest aspect lies in its eerie and haunting visuals. The portrayal of possessed characters and ghostly apparitions is genuinely unsettling, creating an atmosphere of dread and fear. The unsettling imagery effectively adds to the film’s horror elements and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Performance-wise, the cast delivers the goods. Sophie Wilde is an absolute revelation in the role of Mia, the lead protagonist of this story. She always feels like she’s bringing her A-game, and her performance as a grief-stricken teen always feels tense throughout the running time. Alexandra Jensen is incredible as Jane, while Joe Bird delivers the creepiest performance here as Riley.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes apparent that the film struggles to maintain a cohesive and consistent narrative. The supernatural elements, while intriguing at first, start to feel convoluted as the story progresses. Certain plot twists come across as contrived and not entirely earned, leading to a less immersive experience.

Mia’s journey from seeking solace to being haunted by her mother’s spirit adds depth to the story, but the overall character development feels somewhat lacking for the other members of the group. As a result, it becomes challenging to empathize with their struggles, which ultimately impacts the emotional impact of the film.

One of the film’s significant drawbacks is its reliance on clichés and predictable horror movie tropes. While it occasionally manages to subvert expectations, these moments are too infrequent to prevent the film from feeling formulaic.

The film’s climax is where it takes a major narrative shift, which may divide audiences. The resolution attempts to tie loose ends together but leaves some questions unanswered, leaving viewers with a sense of dissatisfaction. Additionally, the way the film handles the themes of death and the afterlife might not resonate with all audiences.

Despite its flaws, Talk to Me does manage to present an innovative concept and offers some genuinely chilling moments. The exploration of grief and its impact on relationships adds an emotional layer to the film, making it more than just a standard horror flick.

Talk to Me showcases both potential and shortcomings. While it features compelling visuals, a haunting atmosphere, and a unique premise, it struggles with uneven pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a convoluted plot. The film’s impact might vary from viewer to viewer, with some finding it a captivating and eerie experience, while others might be left wanting more coherence and depth. If you enjoy supernatural horror with a touch of drama, Talk to Me might be worth a watch, but be prepared for a polarizing and incoherent journey into the world of spirits and the afterlife.