Talk to Me

“It’s refreshing to see a transmasc actor play a pivotal part of Talk to Me without having their gender identity exploited.”

Title: Talk to Me (2023)
Directors: Danny Philippou 👨🏼🇦🇺 and Michael Philippou 👨🏼🇦🇺
Writers: Screenplay by Danny Philippou 👨🏼🇦🇺 and Bill Hinzman 👨🏼🇦🇺 based on the concept by Daley Pearson 👨🏼🇦🇺

Reviewed by Kylie 👩🏼🇺🇸🌈

—MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD—

Technical: 3.25/5

Brimming with gratuitous remakes, the horror genre has been itching for original ideas to keep audiences on their toes. One of A24’s newest releases, Talk to Me, takes a stab at adding to this landscape. Premiering at the coveted 2023 Sundance Film Festival, this debut feature by Australian directors (and twins) Danny and Michael Philippou buckles you in for an intense ride. The brothers are not new to the contemporary horror scene, having worked on the modern-day classic, Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook (2014). And best believe that their spine-chilling experience can be felt at the core of this film.

Talk to Me begins with a simple, to-the-point plot: A ceramic hand that connects the living and the dead has fallen into the laps of high school students looking for a fun Friday night. Quippy dialogue filled with expletives and teen humor, coupled with stellar performances, allow for an effortless settling into the film’s inviting story. A swirling montage as each friend tries out the cursed hand for themselves, beautifully in time with the hypnotic “Le Monde” tune, showcases Talk to Me’s creative strengths.

But, just as the novelty of the hand begins to wear off, the plot derails into one nonsensical, gory jump scare after another. Though incredibly entertaining, the film chooses quick fixes and visually stunning effects over addressing its ever-growing pile of plot holes. Upon the film’s frighteningly cyclical ending, it’s clear that the Philippou brothers valued a good scare over a fleshed out script or deeper meaning behind their frights. But, if you’re looking for a film that will elicit laughs and shrieks alike, Talk to Me is a must watch.

Gender: 4.5/5
Does it pass the Bechdel Test? YES

Though written and directed by men, Talk to Me explores female relationships. Protagonist Mia (Sophie Wilde) is flawed and complicated, entangled in the grief of her mother’s untimely passing. She shares her struggles with best friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen) and their argumentative yet loving relationship rings true of sisterly bonds.

Sure, the story is pushed into action by the introduction of the haunted hand, but the heart of Talk to Me lies in Mia’s own personal horror of losing her mother. Though I would have loved to see the relationship between Mia and her mother used as more than a plot device, I appreciated its existence at all, with mother-daughter storylines seldom seen in this genre. Similarly, Mia’s character begged for a bit more substance, but the majority female cast pushes this film towards gender equity.

Race: 4/5

With so many horror films revolving around white women and men, it’s wonderful to see a woman of color at the crux of this story. Wilde, who’s biracial Ivorian and Australian, gives a compelling and nuanced performance as Mia. In addition, one of Mia’s friends, Joss, is played by Samoan Australian actor Chris Alosio, who has the pivotal role of introducing the hand into the groups’ lives. But the film has no interest in making race-based commentary, rendering this diversity welcome—but skin deep.

I also would have loved to see representation behind the camera, as all directors, writers (Danny Philippou, Bill Hinzman), and producers (Samantha Jennings, Kristina Ceyton) are white. So, even though its colorblind storytelling plays it safe, Talk to Me’s diverse cast is still an achievement.

Bonus for LGBTQ: +0.50

One of my favorite characters in the film, tough-guy Hayley, is played by openly transgender and nonbinary actor Zoe Terakes. The mere inclusion of Terakes in the film led to its banning in Kuwait after its international release, further highlighting the importance of their contribution to the project. To see a transmasc actor placed in a pivotal part of the film, without their gender identity exploited or superficially used for the plot, is incredibly refreshing to see.

Mediaversity Grade: B 4.08/5

Talk to Me is a horror film of our time, its racially diverse and female-centered cast strengthening the nature of its innovative story.

Like Talk to Me? Try these other inclusive horror titles.

Grade: BLiDecember 6, 2023Great for: LGBTQ