The Dark Side of Artificial Intelligence: A Review of “Talk To Me”

A Dark and Disturbing Delight: A Review of A24’s Talk to Me

An Exciting Addition to the Horror Genre

The arrival of a new horror film from A24, the production company behind critically acclaimed hits such as “Hereditary,” “The Witch,” and “Midsommar,” has sparked palpable excitement among horror enthusiasts. Titled “Talk to Me,” this latest offering certainly lives up to the hype and firmly establishes itself as one of the best horror films of the year.

The film revolves around high schooler Mia (Sophie Wilde) and her best friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen), who stumble upon a peculiar game called “Talk to Me” at a house party. The game involves shaking a plaster hand, uttering the phrase, “Talk to me. I let you in,” and allowing a spirit to possess the person for a limited time. Mia and Jade, drawn by the rush of the experience, decide to host their own gathering to repeat the game. However, things take a dark turn when Mia’s deceased mother’s spirit seemingly emerges, leading to haunting consequences that spiral out of control.

A Fresh Approach: Unsettling Imagery and Ghostly Scares

Directors Danny and Michael Phillipou, known for their work as YouTubers, make an impressive debut with “Talk to Me.” Unlike traditional horror films filled with jump scares or emotional devastation, the Phillipou brothers expertly utilize unsettling imagery and quiet, ghost-like scares to intensify the sense of dread throughout the film. This departure from the conventional horror tropes adds a refreshing and unique dimension to the viewing experience.

The directors’ background in creating content on a limited budget and within constrained timeframes lends itself well to the storytelling in “Talk to Me.” The film demonstrates the Phillipou brothers’ ability to make the most out of limited resources, resulting in a tight and well-paced narrative. They successfully avoid the pitfall of excessive running time or unnecessary visual effects often associated with bigger-budget horror films.

Infusing Horror with Levity

While “Talk to Me” primarily delves into the realm of creepiness and terror, it also strikes a delicate balance by incorporating moments of levity. Most notably, these lighter moments occur during the party scenes, reminiscent of the directors’ YouTube work, which adds a more lighthearted aspect to the overall experience. Such moments offer respite amid the film’s haunting ambiance, providing brief respites from the intensity.

Creative and Disturbing Practical Effects

One standout aspect of the film is the use of practical effects. The production team employs practical methods to bring the spirits to life, resulting in truly disgusting and menacing creatures. Rather than relying on computer-generated visuals, the filmmakers opt for the use of bloated, disfigured, and decaying corpses as the embodiment of the spirits. This choice enhances the sense of threat and unpredictability, as these zombie-like entities exude an aura of potential violence at any moment.

Outstanding Performances

The ensemble cast delivers solid performances, with Sophie Wilde’s portrayal of Mia standing out in particular. Wilde expertly immerses herself in multiple facets of Mia’s character, seamlessly transitioning between a carefree high-schooler, a grieving daughter, and an unhinged teen. Her ability to embody these different dimensions adds depth and complexity to the film.

Joe Bird deserves praise for his portrayal of Riley, Jade’s younger brother. Bird successfully avoids the common pitfalls of whininess or obnoxiousness that often plague portrayals of 14-year-old characters. This nuanced performance adds authenticity to the dynamics among the group of friends.

Another noteworthy performance comes from Zoe Terakes, who portrays Hayley, the custodian of the hand. Terakes skillfully balances the character’s fun and intimidating qualities, making Hayley someone both intriguing and slightly intimidating to be around.

Elevated Horror and Emotional Impact

A24 has become renowned for its “elevated horror” films, a label that often implies a certain type of horror is inherently superior to others. However, “Talk to Me” does not fit neatly into this categorization. While the film undeniably delivers genuine scares, it forgoes the emotional devastation associated with movies labeled as “elevated horror.”

In recent years, A24 seems to be diversifying its horror offerings, moving away from emotionally heavy narratives. This departure can be seen in films like “Bodies Bodies Bodies,” specifically aimed at the Gen Z audience. “Talk to Me” aligns with this trend, choosing to focus on providing a terrifying experience without delving into the depths of emotional turmoil.

A Subplot that Fails to Fully Integrate

Despite its overall effectiveness, “Talk to Me” falls short in fully integrating the subplot of Mia being haunted by her deceased mother. The haunting feels disconnected from the film’s primary plot, almost like an unnecessary addition. While it makes logical sense for Mia’s mother to be present given Riley’s possession, the lack of emphasis and focus on this aspect diminishes its impact. This subplot would have benefitted from further exploration and integration into the main narrative arc.

A Straightforward Thrill Ride

What sets “Talk to Me” apart is its straightforward approach. The film boasts a simple yet compelling plot, devoid of convoluted twists or enigmatic mysteries. The allure of the seances and the adrenaline rush they provide serve as the film’s driving force. With minimal background information provided about the hand and its origins, the film allows audiences to immerse themselves in a visceral and spine-chilling experience without unnecessary complexities.

In conclusion, “Talk to Me” proves to be a dark and disturbing delight for horror enthusiasts. Its unflinching visual imagery, unsettling scares, and impressive practical effects create a tense and unforgettable atmosphere. While the subplot of Mia’s haunting could have been better integrated, the film’s stellar performances and straightforward storytelling make it a standout addition to the horror genre.