Danny and Michael Philippou — twin brothers who initially came into the spotlight with their horror-comedy shorts on YouTube — serve up a chilling psychological horror film with a thematic exploration of the transformative power of communication and its potential to unravel our darkest fears.

Talk To Me revolves around Mia, a 17-year-old who’s struggling with the sudden loss of her mother and avoids interacting with her father. She finds comfort in spending time with her bestie Jade (Alexandra Jensen) and her family, which includes Jade’s mother Sue (Miranda Otto) and younger brother Riley (Joe Bird). In this scenario, some viral videos featuring kids from their social circle, who are acting strange with unsettling black eyes, begin to circulate. While everyone else dismisses these videos as a prank, Mia is intrigued and decides to investigate.

Joined by Jade and Riley, Mia sneaks out one night to find out what’s going on. She joins a dangerous game that involves a renowned mystic figure’s severed hand, preserved and encased in ceramic. By holding the hand and uttering ‘Talk to me’, one can summon the spirit of a deceased person and allow it to inhabit their body — but only for 90 seconds. Stretching the duration beyond that might result in the spirit’s desire to linger.

This seemingly innocuous exercise goes haywire when Riley holds the hand and is visited by the spirit of Mia’s mother. As Mia refuses to let her mother go, and wants to learn the truth behind her death, the spirit takes possession of Riley’s body.

The film initially appears quite simple, like a regular horror movie — immature characters with an irresistible attraction towards something clearly perilous. But the story takes on complex layers in the way it intertwines Mia’s past trauma with Riley’s possession, leading to a captivating conflict. The screenplay by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman utilises this conflict as a tool to delve into a disturbed Mia’s mental state, shedding light on the consequences of her actions.

Talk to Me thrives on the interplay between its central characters. The chemistry between Mia and Riley veers from vulnerability to manipulation in a heartbeat. Sophie Wilde, as Mia, carries the film on her shoulders. Joe Bird also delivers a commendable performance as the inquisitive teenage boy Riley.

Directors Danny and Michael Philippou skillfully employ visual techniques. The strategic use of transition scenes and match cuts is particularly impressive. Composer Cornel Wilczek delivers a haunting score that stays on after the credits roll. The music, a symphony of dissonance and melancholy, serves to amplify the characters’ innermost fears and desires.