Brothers Danny and Michael Philippou have directed their first feature, Talk to Me, a highly effective, low budget indie with references to The Sixth Sense and Hereditary, which may be the best horror film of the year.
A young man’s violent attack on his brother shifts to a group of teens who gather and participate in a chilling challenge with a creepy, petrified hand that causes the person to experience something unworldly. What starts as a fascinating novelty becomes an unholy thing. When Mia (Sophie Wilde), who grieves over the tragic loss of her mother, tries the hand, it has a profound effect on her and others close to her. Her obsession with its power and guilt over her mom’s memory risks losing those she loves and her sanity.
This has the makings of a coming of age comedy/drama (like Carrie) until the hand appears, and the story takes a decidedly dark, traumatic turn. Questions arise about the hand’s origins and whether its powers actually connect with spirits or worse. It’s like a malevolent, addictive drug which may or may not possess its participants. Is it evil? Is Mia cursed as her behavior becomes more irrational? The mystery builds an unbearable tension that becomes an ominous, nightmarish descent into madness (see Smile) causing Mia to question her reality with her disturbing visions. This Australian production displays striking, handheld camerawork and disturbing sound effects. There are moments when you know something bad is coming, and the film does not skimp on graphic imagery.
With
a brave performance by Wilde, this
terrifying film (a trim 93 minutes) leaves a fascinating, open ending that begs
for a follow-up. The Philippous make a bold statement as a duo to be reckoned with in
the future.
****1/2
of ***** stars (for horror fans)
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