Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Talk to Me (2023)

9

alejandro970Aug 17, 2023

If you play with fire, you will get burned. A horror movie armed with fresh ideas is always nice. The plot flows in a way that avoids the generic scare and does not allow you to know where it is going, with an ending endowed with a macabre humor.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

jakeyjakeAug 6, 2023

For the most part Talk to Me is a competently made film. There's a couple of unique ideas the film has in depicting deeper, more emotionally horrifying things people can experience such as; trauma, guilt and grief. The film is shot well forFor the most part Talk to Me is a competently made film. There's a couple of unique ideas the film has in depicting deeper, more emotionally horrifying things people can experience such as; trauma, guilt and grief. The film is shot well for the most part, but it lacks the scares and originality to elevate it beyond any other recent horror movies that are similar to it. There's also a number of moments where the dialogue and performances are not great, making the film lose a lot of the effectiveness it could have had if those two things were just a tad bit better.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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7

JeBjBoJul 30, 2023

Very entertaining!
Doesn't do anything new but what it does, it does cleverly!
The jump scares didn't annoy me! I saw this in a small theater with disgusting popcorn munching individuals all around me who also talked throughout the film. IVery entertaining!
Doesn't do anything new but what it does, it does cleverly!
The jump scares didn't annoy me!

I saw this in a small theater with disgusting popcorn munching individuals all around me who also talked throughout the film. I still got enjoyment out of this, even though I wanted to walk out after ten minutes. I'm glad I didn't do that. But I sincerely hope that cinemas will finally die so I can watch new films in peace.

The movie got me also quite emotional, not because of its themes, but because of how long I follow the work of its directors and their whole gang on YouTube. It's been at least 20 years since they started recording their crazy stuff (and over 10 years putting it on YouTube) and it is nice to see it all come together in a feature film. You can feel the love and energy they put into this in every frame. You can see their camera and editing styles in "Talk to ME". They WANTED to make this movie and I'm really glad they did it. Impressive directorial debut, and I hope that we'll see more from them in the coming years.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

Thisalike2Jul 29, 2023

Talk to me is wonderfully made. The directors have "a hand" for directing in a new way, exploring details and arranging them. The actors are really into it, creating their characters in a fascinating believable way. The story is full ofTalk to me is wonderfully made. The directors have "a hand" for directing in a new way, exploring details and arranging them. The actors are really into it, creating their characters in a fascinating believable way. The story is full of layers you cannot count at the first view. The movie is a real gem. I watched a lot of movies and had begun to miss the love in a lot of works the last years. Found it in this movie. Everyone please go on with your art.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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8

moviemitch96Jul 29, 2023

Holy hell! In this Aussie horror flick, a group of teens get in over their heads when they decide to push their luck with an embalmed hand that allows them to be possessed by deceased spirits from beyond. They soon find themselves beingHoly hell! In this Aussie horror flick, a group of teens get in over their heads when they decide to push their luck with an embalmed hand that allows them to be possessed by deceased spirits from beyond. They soon find themselves being haunted by the spirits that they've let in, unable to outrun them or close the door to the other side. Although they can be a little hit or miss with me, when it comes to horror, A24 knows how to make some pretty bold and innovative films within the genre ('Hereditary', 'Midsommar', etc.) and I'm more than pleased to say that this film is certainly no exception! Directed with unrelenting and hellish fury by Danny and Michael Philippou (better known as YouTube duo Rackaracka), this one had me on the edge of my seat and genuinely recoiling in both fear and disgust in equal measure! Several sequences throughout had me in both great suspense and enormous shock. I honestly can't remember the last time a film had this effect on me. As far as performances go, while everyone here does a solid job of feigning possession, lead actress Sophie Wilde was the film's true standout for me. Showcasing equal parts fear, possession, and genuine emotion, she really knocked it out of the park here! While there are a couple of predictable/frustrating moments, they're heavily overshadowed by the rest of the genuine tension and suspense I was feeling for almost practically the entire film. Overall, it's tense, it's unsettling, it's nerve-shredding, it's absolutely brutal, and it's truly one of the best and most impactful horror films I've seen in recent memory.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

JLuis_001Jul 30, 2023

It's never a good thing when hype can work against the overall experience of a film. However, I must admit that despite the impressively over-the-top praise I heard about Talk to Me, the movie does manage to be genuinely entertaining, even ifIt's never a good thing when hype can work against the overall experience of a film. However, I must admit that despite the impressively over-the-top praise I heard about Talk to Me, the movie does manage to be genuinely entertaining, even if it's not particularly scary.

The atmosphere effectively sells the story, setting the tone quite well. The plot dynamics unfold quickly in just a few minutes, and when the moments of horror do arrive, they possess a certain charm, but are far from being truly terrifying.

They aim to be unsettling and succeed to some extent, but lack the element of shock. While the most graphic scene does its job, overall, the film is relatively average and shares similarities with many other horror films of recent years in terms of violence and gore gimmicks.

I firmly believe that Talk to Me's greatest strength lies in the dramatic weight of Mia's character, as her loss and grief fuel her motivations, leading to her cruel outcome.

However, the film's main issues arise from the unexplored plot holes, especially concerning the concept and mythology behind the hand used to contact the spirits.
There was a missed opportunity to delve deeper into this, leaving me with several unanswered questions.

The film jumps straight into direct horror and fails to explore much beyond its predictable genre moves, leaving me wanting more.
In my opinion it doesn't open any doors to disappointment, but it's certainly a problem that the film in general drags down and never gets rid of.

Is it worth seeing? Certainly. However, I do think the buzz given to it has been overblown, and not because the high expectations hindered the experience, but because, despite being well crafted, Talk to Me ultimately plays within a very familiar and limited framework without trying to break out of it for any reason.… Expand

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9

BossHog021Jul 30, 2023

Very scary and unique. Left me shaking and smiling leaving the theater. The comedy beats worked better than expected to compliment the terror it caused.

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8

thunderboltwayJul 29, 2023

Entertaining and fulfills its basic premise but maybe not the most groundbreaking or logical story - never quite drags but perhaps a few minutes would have been better served on lore expansion rather than teen angst and boyfriend drama. ItEntertaining and fulfills its basic premise but maybe not the most groundbreaking or logical story - never quite drags but perhaps a few minutes would have been better served on lore expansion rather than teen angst and boyfriend drama. It plays much better than It Follows in that at least these kids felt worth saving. A few punishing scenes, scary premise, and quite good in-camera makeup effects made this worth it for me. As far as A24 goes this is in the range of Blackcoat’s Daughter, which is quite good.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

APenNameAndThatJul 30, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Fantastic movie. Great ending. Genius. Please remember: the spirits lie. Actually, best ending of a movie ever.… Expand

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8

dzonikejdzzzAug 4, 2023

Well, an actually good horror movie that (almost) lives up to the hype, unlike the crappy Scream movies and the overhyped Evil Dead reboot.
Talk to Me is a truly creepy and darkly humorous tale of grief, unfortunately it gets a bitWell, an actually good horror movie that (almost) lives up to the hype, unlike the crappy Scream movies and the overhyped Evil Dead reboot.
Talk to Me is a truly creepy and darkly humorous tale of grief, unfortunately it gets a bit eye-rolling with the heavy-handed "possession = drugs" allegory, the premise is not as clever as the filmmakers and some critics think it is.
But, like I said, most of the horror movies of the past 10 years or so don't live up to even a fraction of the hype, The Witch, Hereditary and the Conjuring movies come to mind immediately, Talk to Me at least delivers on the creep factor.… Expand

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7

royalguy07Jul 28, 2023

A tight and effective film that leans less heavily on horror than I expected. Goes in some directions I was definitely not expecting.

We are still fully using trauma as a crutch for horror narrative, it at least feels halfway thematicallyA tight and effective film that leans less heavily on horror than I expected. Goes in some directions I was definitely not expecting.

We are still fully using trauma as a crutch for horror narrative, it at least feels halfway thematically relevant here… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

LostErrorAug 4, 2023

So many horror films go all out at the end -- breaking any sense of realism or plot to try to get one last big scare out of you... But throughout this whole film, Talk To Me stays grounded & continues with its super-strong edge-of-your-seatSo many horror films go all out at the end -- breaking any sense of realism or plot to try to get one last big scare out of you... But throughout this whole film, Talk To Me stays grounded & continues with its super-strong edge-of-your-seat story.

The way they use mobile phones also feels quite spot on -- The lighting from it is super-compelling too. I wish there was more of Hayley and Joss, they were a uniquely interesting duo.

It might feel a little slow to get started for some, but it's a fresh breath of air amongst some pretty boring horror films as of late. Very well done, can't wait to see what the twins do next!… Expand

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8

Yahir888Jul 30, 2023

This was a really good movie! I liked the story and characters a whole lot better than insidious and the ending was so dark and deep which leads up to a potential sequel

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4

MattyIce34Jul 30, 2023

I know I’m in the minority but I kind of hated this? The writing is pretty bad, they’re still adding new rules for the hand well into act three, and the characters are normal horror film intelligence (ending is cool, though).

1 of 6 users found this helpful15

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8

airickzAug 2, 2023

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not the cliche film I expected. It holds up well and stands out amongst the saturated market of coming of age horror films that toss teenagers into peril. It has a compelling story and the performances of the cast members are convincingly genuine. The introduction of the film’s central macguffin also leaves the film open to sequels and prequels. Among one of its best qualities is the films clever use of sound.… Expand

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6

GinaKJul 28, 2023

Not the best or most engrossing horror film I have ever seen, but it held my attention with its plot and the convincing performances of its young cast.

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10

PanchogulAug 10, 2023

Honestamente pienso que es una muy buena película, la premisa no parece gran cosa pero tiene una ejecución grandiosa que elevó mis expectativas al máximo, desde el primer encuentro sabes de que va la cosa y pese a que los personajes sonHonestamente pienso que es una muy buena película, la premisa no parece gran cosa pero tiene una ejecución grandiosa que elevó mis expectativas al máximo, desde el primer encuentro sabes de que va la cosa y pese a que los personajes son conscientes del peligro que tienen en frente y que insisten en tentar a la suerte una y otra vez, tienes ganas de saber que ocurrirá con ellos, en especial con la protagonista cuyo pasado es vital para resolver la situación.

Se profundiza muy poco en el foco del mal y lejos de ser una falla termina siendo un acierto al potenciar el clima de suspenso.… Expand

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7

Donttalk2Aug 1, 2023

A very fresh concept, and an impressive study of a breakdown, The portrait of vulnerability everywhere as underbelly of exhausted suburbian prettyness is rather sublime, and the cast is very strong. But this is an ugly film, in more than oneA very fresh concept, and an impressive study of a breakdown, The portrait of vulnerability everywhere as underbelly of exhausted suburbian prettyness is rather sublime, and the cast is very strong. But this is an ugly film, in more than one sense, and there is not much to see on the screen… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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9

LTTS_KyleAug 1, 2023

(Spoiler-free) Thoughts on Talk to Me:

A24's track record for horror films lately is, if nothing else, consistently intriguing. From the more traditional fare of Hereditary to the mystery comedy spooks of Bodies Bodies Bodies, they're not(Spoiler-free) Thoughts on Talk to Me:

A24's track record for horror films lately is, if nothing else, consistently intriguing. From the more traditional fare of Hereditary to the mystery comedy spooks of Bodies Bodies Bodies, they're not afraid to bet high on interesting, wacky, artful concepts. Even if you hate every A24 horror so far, they deserve props for taking risks, something a lot of bigger companies are afraid to do (Disney *cough*).

Talk to Me is the latest venture that goes back to a somewhat traditional horror style while still feeling fresh and inventive. I'd say Talk to Me has just about everything you could want in a horror feature: scares, violence, a consistent feeling of uneasiness, moments you want to look away and moments you can't stop watching, suspense, and just the right sprinkle of humor.

At its core, Talk to Me is a story about grief and the desperation for closure - something that can fester and take hold when you refuse to let go. This theme is presented masterfully throughout the movie, but it never feels like the whole story is simply an allegory or metaphor; rather, it puts a fun spin on the "I see dead people" sub-genre of horror, giving believable reasons for why some characters act the way they do. Thinking back on it, there are plenty of little clues as to what's happening, so if you're one of those people who hates ambiguous endings, you'll be happy to hear that this ends pretty definitively. Certain rules are set in place and followed, making this universe feel real and grounded.

And speaking of grounded, the characters are feel like real people too. There were moments originally that I disliked because it just felt like another movie where characters make dumb decisions (the classic horror trope), but I realized that most of them acted within their character's logic. The story doesn't dive too deeply into most of the people we meet, leaving them feeling a little two-dimensional but they serve their purpose with glimmers of someone you'd want to know more about. At its core, Talk to Me is a study of the main protagonist, Mia - and what consequences befall her as a result of her grief. There's just enough humor to make everyone seem like real people you'd encounter, and this serves to heighten your investment in their story. Despite not having a ton of depth, I'm glad they never just felt like background players.

Talk to Me can be a hard watch for those suffering with the loss of a loved one, or anyone with existential terror of the afterlife in general - but that's what makes a horror movie good. If it can leave you thinking about it after the credits roll, it's done its job and Talk to Me more than does so. It excels at balancing so many moving parts so it never feels boring or predictable; with an incredible performance from Sophie Wilde anchoring the story. It has its jump scare moments but they feel earned and never gratuitous; the true terror comes from the stress of seeing events unfold and how they'll be resolved.

All in all, Talk to Me is one of the best horror movies I've seen in recent years, maybe ever. It's gripping, unique, well acted, and terrifying - with a message that never feels like it's pandering but still very clear. It also doesn't overstay its welcome, unlike some of the ghoulies we see - and ends up being a perfectly wrapped horror package without the need for a sequel, prequel, or any sort of over-analysis. If you like your spooky movies with a hint of existential dread, this is a movie you'll want to let in.

+ Great performances, especially Sophie Wilde
+ Unique twist on genre
+ Use of special/practical effects
+ Tense
+ Complete story without need for sequel or ambiguity
+ Awesome practical effects

- Some characters aren't explored as much
- Slow burn start can drag a little

9/10… Expand

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7

alanpotter17Aug 18, 2023

Cinematograficamente falando, "Fale comigo" tem elementos de sobra para ser visto com grandes méritos. O início conta com uma edição esperta, que vai direto ao ponto, e ainda assim consegue criar a tensão necessária para se envolver (tapa naCinematograficamente falando, "Fale comigo" tem elementos de sobra para ser visto com grandes méritos. O início conta com uma edição esperta, que vai direto ao ponto, e ainda assim consegue criar a tensão necessária para se envolver (tapa na cara de quem acha que ambientação tem a ver com um filme arrastado). E ainda dialoga com os jovens de maneira a não tratá-los como idiotas.
Aliás, reforço aqui a edição, a cena em que vários dos adolescentes experimentam tocar "a mão", que é quando são possuídos e têm visões de pessoas mortas, foi muito bem construída tecnicamente, mostrou o que deveria mostrar, a banalização do ato numa espécie de catarse coletiva.
Nesta primeira parte do filme, ao explorar um sentimento coletivo de jovens que canalizam suas frustrações e esperanças a um objeto do além, capta muito bem o estado atual da adolescência, desamparada em suas aspirações pessoais e sociais, ainda que lotadas de informações a um palmo de suas mãos.
É como se o sobrenatural fosse apenas um canal para discutir, em tons psicanalíticos, seus traumas, ou mesmo o narcisismo inerente a suas formas de aceitação tribal. Lembrei dos filmes do Linklater que conseguem quase sempre alcançar esse espírito de época.
Ainda assim, na metade seguinte o roteiro joga por terra a edição inteligente e se concentra no drama pessoal de uma jovem com sua mãe morta, inserindo mais dois irmãos, sendo um rapaz jovem e sua amiga, e ainda o namorado da sua amiga. Ou seja, aquilo que era mais coletivo, precisou ser enxuto a um caso mais particular, com os demais personagens sendo posto ao limbo.
Mas o que mais me ressenti não foi pela mudança de foco, mesmo porque o enredo tem seus tons interessantes, mas o fato de que o clima claustrofóbico cedeu lugar a uma projeção genérica e muitas vezes burocrática. Por mais que o final seja interessante e mostre o círculo vicioso do evento, ou seja, sem fazer concessões, não deixa de soar típico demais. os sustos diminuem, o impacto diminui, e tudo flui para que o filme termine sem uma grande sensação de impacto. Ou fui eu que fui com mais expectativa do que poderia.
Mas não é um filme ruim, longe disso. Ainda prefiro "X" ou "Pearl", ou o excelente "Morte, morte e morte". Esse aqui acabou sendo tragado por conflitos individuais que tocaram mais para o drama do que para o horror em si, mesmo que ainda assim seja uma boa sessão de entretenimento.… Expand

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6

BameronJul 28, 2023

Great premise and a solid first act - brutal and uncompromising from the jump, some nice buildup of dread, and some pretty gnarly practical effects and visuals - but it sags under the weight of its logic about midway through. The endingGreat premise and a solid first act - brutal and uncompromising from the jump, some nice buildup of dread, and some pretty gnarly practical effects and visuals - but it sags under the weight of its logic about midway through. The ending doesn’t pack the punch it needs to because the trauma the main character harbors feels too generic. Should be a brutal twist of the knife or at least cathartic, but ultimately just feels predictable.

The filmmakers clearly have an eye for horror, but maybe not the chops yet to sustain a full feature.… Expand

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7

bertobellamyAug 10, 2023

This film could have used a few more minutes because many things remain up in the air. Nevertheless, the acting is good, and the way it blends the concept of demonic possession with Gen Z anxiety is interesting. It may not have much to sayThis film could have used a few more minutes because many things remain up in the air. Nevertheless, the acting is good, and the way it blends the concept of demonic possession with Gen Z anxiety is interesting. It may not have much to say about anything in general, but the chilling moments are very satisfying.… Expand