Talk to Me surprised everyone by becoming a hit horror film this year, gaining popularity through word-of-mouth after its debut at film festivals. Produced by A24, the movie received high praise and became the studio’s top-grossing horror film in the U.S.
The Philippou Brothers’ directorial debut offers a fresh spin on possession stories with its unique visuals. It also resonates with Gen-Z and TikTok culture, making it a hit among younger audiences.
Despite its success, the film’s cast hasn’t received the recognition they deserve, especially newcomer Sophie Wilde, who delivers an outstanding performance.
The film follows a group of teenagers who unleash supernatural forces by playing with a cursed ceramic hand that reveals trapped spirits. Unlike many horror films with reckless characters, Talk to Me presents likable teens who follow safety rules while engaging in risky behaviors for social media fame.
However, they soon realize the dangers are real, as protagonist Mia, played by Wilde, finds herself pursued by menacing spirits even after attempting to close the gateway to the other side.
One of the film’s strengths is its use of practical effects to depict the teens’ physical transformations when spirits inhabit them. The cast convincingly portrays the possessed characters, with their personalities shifting dramatically as they experience the spirits’ desires.
The movie’s intense moments are amplified by the young actors’ performances, creating a gripping horror experience. While the entire cast delivers strong performances, Wilde’s portrayal of Mia stands out as exceptional.
Sophie Wilde shines in Talk to Me with an award-worthy performance.
In Talk to Me, Sophie Wilde takes on the challenging role of Mia, the film’s main character. Mia is a teenager dealing with emotional struggles, seeking acceptance from her peers while also coping with the loss of her mother two years prior.
Her mother’s death, which Mia witnessed, has left her battling severe depression, further strained by her father’s reluctance to discuss the tragedy. Finding little support at home, Mia leans on her friend Jade’s family.
The movie’s success isn’t just due to its scares but also its heartfelt human drama. Mia’s journey, dealing with personal trauma and navigating complex relationships, forms the emotional core of the film.
Directed by the Philippou Brothers, the film demands a lot from Wilde, asking her to portray Mia’s joy, pain, and interactions with supernatural elements through a cursed ceramic hand.
Wilde excels in every aspect, seamlessly transitioning between light-hearted moments and deep emotional scenes. Her nuanced performance, complete with subtle facial expressions, adds depth to Mia’s character, making her journey from hope to despair compelling to watch.
While horror films and performances often get overlooked during awards season, Wilde’s performance in Talk to Me deserves recognition alongside other recent standout performances in the genre.
Despite the industry’s tendency to snub horror, Wilde’s exceptional portrayal of Mia stands out and should be celebrated. As for what’s next for Wilde, audiences eagerly anticipate her return to the screen, hoping for more stellar performances in the future.
