FILM

Talk to Me, 2022

Directors: Danny and Michael Philippou

Starring: Sophie Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Miranda Otto

Has there been a better Australian horror film since the Babadook? This debut feature from the Philippous is intelligent filmmaking, twisting the notion of a séance or Ouija board into a gripping teen drama that manages to balance gore and suspense with nary a jump scare in sight. Mia is something of a loner, having lost her mother under tragic circumstances and relying on the company of Jade and her younger brother Riley. Enter the party trick of using a supernatural hand to invite spirits to possess bodies while the gang films the excitement on their mobile phones. Of course things get, ahem, out of hand. It’s a wonderfully contained story, ramping up the stakes without going overboard; well filmed, well acted, with enough backstory to help us care for the characters and understand their relationships. It’s worth seeing on the big screen because the sound direction absolutely nails it, whether it’s creaking, moaning or a haunting lullaby. Highly recommended.