Talk to Me Is a Terrifying Original That Stays With You

There are possession movies, and then there’s Talk to Me – a film that takes the well-worn idea of spirits invading human bodies and gives it a modern, terrifying twist. It is hard to overstate how refreshing it is to watch a horror movie that feels like it has its own voice. While the premise might sound familiar on paper, what unfolds onscreen is anything but.

The setup is quick and clean. A group of teenagers discover they can commune with spirits using a mysterious embalmed hand. The rules are simple. Hold the hand. Say “talk to me.” Let the spirit in. But as you might imagine, things go sideways once they get a little too comfortable with their new party trick. The film takes its time in the best way possible, slowly tightening the emotional screws as reality begins to unravel for the main characters.

At the center of it all is Sophie Wilde, who delivers a gut-wrenching performance as Mia, a grieving teen whose desperation to connect with the other side leads her down a dangerous path. Her portrayal feels grounded and raw, even in the midst of supernatural chaos. The rest of the cast is just as strong, which makes the escalating horror all the more believable. These are not actors phoning it in. Everyone is fully committed, and you feel it in every scream, flinch, and lingering glance.

What truly sets Talk to Me apart is how committed it is to its own world. The film never over-explains, which somehow makes the events unfolding feel more real. The scares are practical and effective, and the tension builds in such a natural way that you do not always see the next shock coming. When it does hit, it hits hard. And while the horror is intense, the emotional weight is what stays with you. The film does not just aim to frighten. It aims to haunt.

Also worth noting is how visually compelling the movie is. For a debut feature, the Philippou brothers show remarkable confidence behind the camera. The lighting, framing, and editing all work together to create a mood that is both slick and suffocating. It never feels overproduced or showy. Everything serves the story and builds the sense of dread that pulses through each scene.

Now is a great time to catch this one because the directing duo behind it, Danny and Michael Philippou, have a new film called Bring Her Back. While it is not related to Talk to Me in terms of story or universe, it is exciting to see them continuing to build on their momentum in the horror space. Given how strong their debut was, I will be lining up to watch whatever they release next.

If you missed Talk to Me when it came out, you are in luck. It is currently streaming on Netflix, which means you can watch it from the safety of your own couch, clutching a blanket and wondering if that shadow in the corner just moved. It is one of those rare horror films that manages to feel both grounded and completely otherworldly. The kind that worms its way into your brain and makes you side-eye reflective surfaces for a few days.

Five stars. No hesitation. This one is going to be a benchmark for future horror debuts. If this is what Danny and Michael Philippou can do out of the gate, the genre is in very good hands.

OUR REVIEW