Review of Talk to Me (2023) by Zneversleep — 19 Aug 2023

Truly breathtaking.

Leaving the theater without saying anything for a while is a powerful way to convey the impact this movie had on me. It grips you from the very beginning and continually intensifies (or worsens, if you catch my drift). Watching horror movies isn't easy for me, being an agnostic with no strong beliefs. As a cinephile, I yearn to experience fear and discomfort, but films often lean too heavily on common fears and cheap tactics like jump scares. For a horror movie to truly affect me, it needs to be well-crafted, at the very least, as I don't find fear for myself, but rather for the characters. I want to immerse myself in the story, imagining that I'm right there in that universe. And this movie absolutely nails it.

The initial hand sequence is flawless. It evokes intrigue, just like it does for the characters. A whirlwind of emotions courses through you – a blend of fear, excitement, and curiosity. This effect isn't solely due to the skillful editing; the actors truly shine. Their performances are top-notch. The moments when they're possessed are genuinely uncanny. And when "it" threatens the boy... oh my god. That was incredibly terrifying.

The plot is quite solid. The characters are well-rounded, with substantial backgrounds, and their dialogues feel authentic, making it easy to form a connection with them. The direction masterfully builds suspense and delivers in the most impactful moments. I experienced two intense emotional rushes while watching this film (the type that sends shivers down your spine). Precisely the sensation I felt while watching "Midsommar" and "Hereditary." However, this movie brought something new. In two specific scenes, I found myself with true anxiety symptoms. I was so eager to uncover what would transpire that my heart seemed to pound against my chest. It was an absolutely astonishing experience. Additionally, the Dolby Atmos audio was mind-bending. I genuinely couldn't discern whether the sounds were originating from the theater or the actual film.

In any case, I extend my gratitude to A24 for believing in this project.