Talk to me
Two years after the sudden death of her mother, Mia has inserted herself into the family of her best friend Jade, younger brother Riley, and mother Sue.
They go to a party one night, where local popular teens Hayley and Joss dare people to play a game.
The game is to hold the embalmed statue of a hand, asking it to “talk to me” which reveals a ghostly apparition. They must then say “I let you in” where the ghost “takes over”. However if you go over 90 seconds, there could be serious consequences!
And soon… there is!
Direction
Written and Directed by Adelaide locals Michael and Danny Philippou, this is their directorial debut, and wow, what a debut!
Starting with a long shot through a house party, where some tertiary characters are introduced, this is a roller-coaster ride when we witness a seemingly murder suicide (the victim we discover survived the attack).
There is such great work of practical effects, especially in the scene where Riley “lets them in”. There is also fantastic movement of camera, when people let the ghosts in, and the way the camera is placed to focus (down low to show a puddle etc).
Cast/Characters
Starring Sophie Wilde as Mia, Alexandra Jensen as Jade, Joe Bird as Riley, Zoe Terakes as Hayley, Chris Alosio as Joss and Miranda Otto as Sue.
Breakdown
Filmed in my home town of Adelaide (I didn’t spot any where I knew in my viewing), this is a very well directed horror film, that blends reality with downright terror extremely well.
The characters are all written perfectly, with Mia being the central protagonist of the film. She is struggling with the two year anniversary of her mothers death.
As the film goes on, we get more information about it, from both her mother herself during one of Mia’s turns playing the game, and from her father Max.
Mia’s relationship with Jade’s family is nicely done too, with Riley feeling safe enough with her to call her when he needs help. This ‘familial’ dynamic is put to the test when Riley plays the game, and his turn leaves him comatose after a horrifically graphic self injury.
The Philippou brothers use of practical effects here is nothing short of extraordinary. The brutality is shocking, visceral and real. Then, when Riley winds up in hospital because of it, the blend of ‘real life’ and ‘horror’ isn’t really something that you see in ‘ritualistic’ horror films. Even the police investigating the incident is something that was so well done.
This event leads Mia to not only wanting to do the game again (as she was able to get in contact with her mother again), but also in order to find out how to save Riley’s soul from where he is being held.
If I’m going to wish for anything more, I would have liked this portion of the film to be explored more. Where Riley’s soul was, and the demons that came out too.
The movie ending is fairly bleak, with ** spoiler ** Mia sacrificing herself to save the soul of Riley.
All the necessary side characters futures are left “closed” ended (Jade/Riley/Sue and Mia’s dad), and they all get their ‘happy’ endings.
Overall
An amazing first film from the Philippou brothers, who would go on to direct Bring Her Back (reviewed soon) a few years later.
A strong recommend, but only if you have a strong stomach!
Great performances, with some brilliant practical effects!
4.5/5
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