Disclaimer: This blog post contains spoilers for the film “Talk to Me” (2023). Reader discretion is advised.

• Sophie Wilde as Mia
• Alexandra Jensen as Jade
• Joe Bird as Riley
• Miranda Otto as Sue
• Otis Dhanji as Daniel
• Zoe Terakes as Hayley
• Chris Alosio as Joss
• Alexandria Steffensen as Rhea
• Marcus Johnson as Max
• Sunny Johnson as Duckett
• Ari McCarthy as Cole
• From directors Danny and Michael Philippou

The Plot

“Talk to Me” is a 2022 Australian horror film directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. The story centers around a group of teenagers who use a mysterious severed hand to conjure spirits. Mia, one of the main characters, becomes possessed by a spirit that threatens her friend Riley. The group plays the game again at Jade’s house, but this time Riley is possessed by the spirit of Mia’s deceased mother, Rhea. The group fails to blow out the candle within the time limit, resulting in Riley being overtaken by the spirits and causing harm to himself. Mia, haunted by visions of her mother’s ghost, is blamed for Riley’s injuries and seeks comfort in Jade’s boyfriend, Daniel. However, she assaults him after being possessed in her sleep. Mia uses the embalmed hand to contact her mother’s spirit, who reveals that her death was accidental and urges Mia to help Riley. With the help of their friend Cole, they realize they need to complete the ritual by blowing out the candle. They contact the spirit of a little girl who shows Mia a vision of Riley being tortured in the underworld. Mia returns home and is attacked by an evil spirit in the form of her father. In a moment of panic, she accidentally stabs her real father with scissors. The film ends with Mia leaving with Riley, unsure of what lies ahead. Overall, “Talk to Me” explores themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural. It received positive reviews for its compelling story, effective horror sequences, practical effects, and strong performances.

Critical Reseption

According to Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 224 critics’ reviews for the film “Talk to Me” are positive, with an average rating of 7.8/10. The website’s consensus describes the film as a gripping horror story with impressive practical effects built on classic foundations. Metacritic gave the film a score of 76 out of 100 based on 44 critics, indicating generally favorable reviews. CinemaScore polls showed that audiences gave the film an average grade of “B+”. Various critics praised the film for its fresh take on familiar tropes, talented cast, powerful performances, and ability to instill dread using minimal special effects.

3 Life Lessons:

1. Acceptance and Moving On from Loss: The story showcases the consequences of attempting to revive the past, whether through trying to communicate with the deceased or reliving traumatic events. The lesson here is that dwelling on the past and trying to change it can lead to unforeseen and negative consequences. Letting go and moving forward is essential for personal growth. This aligns with the lesson of accepting loss and allowing oneself to heal.
   
2. Importance of Genuine Connection and Support: Mia finds solace in the companionship of Jade’s family after struggling with the emotional distance between her and her father. The importance of chosen family, which may not be linked by blood but offers true support, understanding, and a sense of belonging, is evident. This reflects the lesson that biological ties don’t guarantee family; true family are the ones who stand by you, support you, and ignite your spirit.
   
3. Facing Adversity and Seeking Healing: The characters in the story face supernatural challenges that test their resilience and courage. Mia, in particular, confronts possession, trauma, and the responsibility of helping her possessed friend. The lesson drawn here is that life’s challenges, even the most daunting ones, can be confronted with strength and determination. Additionally, seeking healing from trauma and addressing emotions openly is emphasized, echoing the importance of vocalizing feelings assertively and nurturing relationships.

These lessons underscore the importance of letting go of the past, building strong connections with those who truly support us, and confronting challenges with resilience and openness. They align with the insights from the provided information and can be applied to navigating life’s challenges and seeking personal growth and healing.