Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou
Starring Sophie Wilde, Joe Bird, Alexandra Jensen, Otis Dhanji, Zoe Terakes, and Miranda Otto

Could South Australian born twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou be taking their first footsteps on a similar pathway to success as James Wan and Leigh Whannell? Admittedly, Talk to Me doesn’t unearth a character as iconic as Jigsaw, nor does it have an equivalent killer twist. However, the success of the Philippou Brothers feature debut isn’t entirely dependent on the well-deserved positive word of mouth Talk to Me has been and will continue generating. As the gentleman and former high school pal of the brothers I randomly sat beside during this screening enlightened me to, Danny and Michael have already made a name for themselves globally. That name is RackaRacka. How bloody bogan does that sound!? Anyway, RackaRacka is a YouTube channel created and run by the guys known for its intense live action horror comedy videos that spans 54 episodes. Between Facebook and YouTube, RackaRacka has over 2 billion views and 6.8 million subscribers. So yeah, they are someone.

Well, Danny and Michael, I hope you’re ready for a new legion of fans and followers of your cinematic work, because after seeing Talk to Me, I guarantee it’s coming your way!

A particular object is the all the rave across social media platforms and is the prized possession at boozy teen house parties in the suburban streets of South Australia. Akin to a hit of a drug that places its consumer in an immediate high, this item’s special power places its user in a different and horrifying reality. The guardians of this embalmed hand enforce just one rule – absolutely no one can be under its influence for more than 90 seconds. When this hand finds its way to its perfect host causing the golden rule to be broken, their reality unleashes a nightmare no one could prepare for.

This most impressive writing and directing feature film debut is a cinematically competent production that is, dare I say it, hands down one of the better horror flicks to be on offer this year. From anywhere in the World! Without having watched any RackaRacka videos, I am making the assumption that Talk to Me transitions the same formula – a sufficient supply of gore, genuine creepiness, and well-judged and aptly timed humour; that has earned them their fanbase to date, to the big screen and has produced something quite original that horror movies aficionados will be enamoured by. This movie is very consistent in every way it can be. A great opening sequence that has plenty of relevance later builds the foundation for a story that progresses nicely, escalates its intensity as appropriate, and completely checks out by the end. Practical effects, make-up, the score, and the performances from a mostly unknown cast (even here in Australia) are all up to the task set upon them. Quite a number of horror movies tend to disappoint with their ending. Not this one though! The final scene is cleverly thought through during conception and left me nodding in approval wanting more. Get behind it, folks!

Talk to Me is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from July 27th.

Moviedoc thanks Maslow Entertainment, Umbrella Entertainment, and Nixco for the invite to the screening of this film.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc

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