Talk to Me 2023 Movie Review: An Honest Film Summary by Roger Ebert

"Talk to Me" is a modern horror movie that explores a deadly social media trend involving spiritual possession and a ceramic-encased severed hand. The film follows Mia as she becomes involved in the dangerous game, leading to tragic consequences. The film's brilliance lies in its concept, which could potentially spawn a successful franchise. While the second half of the film falls into familiar horror tropes, Sophie Wilde's exceptional performance adds depth and emotion to the story. Wilde's portrayal of Mia's struggle to balance her past and future is a standout in horror movie history.

In Danny and Michael Philippou's "Talk to Me," a terrifying trend takes hold of a generation, showcasing the eerie plausibility of this horror movie. The premise revolves around a social media frenzy fueled by spiritual possession, made possible through a ceramic-encased severed hand covered in graffiti, representing a lineage of previous owners. Australian teenagers Mia, Jade, and eventually Jade's younger brother Riley, become entangled in this dangerous game, allowing them to communicate with the dead and gain control over their bodies for a limited time.

When the spirits are summoned, the teens are abruptly thrown back in their chairs, their eyes turning a deep black. They experience shivers, choking, and asphyxiation, mimicking the sensation of imminent death. Meanwhile, their excited friends capture it all on film, reveling in the thrill of the experience. It's reminiscent of the infamous Tide pod challenge, where individuals sought out risky activities for the sake of online popularity.

This concept serves as a brilliant foundation for a modern horror story, offering a unique twist on the genre. The potential for a franchise is evident, as seen with successful horror series like "Final Destination," "The Purge," and "Saw." "Talk to Me" has the potential to explore higher body counts or delve into even more chilling narratives in its future installments. However, the initial focus of this film lies in the consequences of being possessed by grief-stricken spirits and the harm it inflicts on loved ones.

The movie introduces rules for safely engaging in this deadly dance, showcasing the exhilarating and dangerous nature of the experience through a lively montage. Mia, her friends, and the hand's current owners, Hayley and Joss, revel in the extreme fun it offers. But everything changes when one of the spirits that possesses Riley turns out to be Mia's deceased mother, who took her own life two years prior. Mia's world is turned upside down as she grapples with the possibility of communicating with her mother's spirit. However, her prolonged interaction with the spirit results in Riley falling into a coma, with self-inflicted wounds on his head, as the spirit attempts to take full control of his body.

The second half of "Talk to Me" explores the familiar theme of trauma and loss, but it adds depth through Sophie Wilde's exceptional performance. Mia's struggle extends beyond reconnecting with her mother; she also fears losing her newfound family, consisting of Jade, Riley, and their protective mother Sue. Wilde's portrayal captures the audience's empathy, as we root for Mia to find solace amidst the pain of her past and the uncertainty of her future. Her vibrant personality, symbolized by her constant yellow wardrobe, shines through, and her tender moments with Riley, such as their impromptu performance of Sia's "Chandelier" in a car ride, showcase the depth of their bond. Wilde's passionate depiction elevates the film, making it a standout in the horror movie genre.

Overall, "Talk to Me" presents a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of the supernatural. Its unique concept, combined with Sophie Wilde's captivating performance, makes it a memorable addition to the horror movie landscape.