What would you do if you could communicate with the other side? This premise drives Talk to Me, A24’s highest-grossing horror film to date.
Directed by Australian twin filmmakers Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou, Talk to Me has garnered praise for its innovative storyline and spine-chilling scares. Set in suburban Adelaide, the film follows a group of friends who stumble upon an addictive and perilous new game. Using an embalmed hand, they uncover the ability to summon spirits. What begins as an exhilarating exploration of the supernatural quickly descends into a harrowing ordeal.
At the heart of this chilling tale is Mia, portrayed by the immensely talented Sophie Wilde, whose performance earned her a Critics’ Choice Award among other accolades. Mia, a teenager grappling with her mother’s suicide, navigates life as both a social outcast and the life of the party, often pushing boundaries as she copes with her grief.
In an interview with RogertEbert.com, co-director Danny Philippou discussed how the film’s shocking moments are integral to its narrative: “It’s crucial for us that our major horror moments are grounded in character and significantly impact the story. We avoided shocking imagery for its own sake. Each scene serves a purpose, builds momentum, and is deeply rooted in character. We cherish the unexpected scenes we incorporated.”
Speaking with GamesRadar.com, star Sophie Wilde reflected on what drew her to the role of Mia: “It felt like a drama to me in many ways… [It] is really thrilling as an actor, playing someone who inhabits so many different spaces because people are so complex, and grief is such a multifaceted experience.”
