The Hidden Details of Talk to Me

[@SpikimaMovies]

What did you think about Talk to Me? Did you like it? love it? Dislike it? Hate it? Abhor it? :D

[@littleboy1000]

Loved it!

[@cambruh5992]

I immediately noticed all of the yellow and blue, the mustard color she wears is my favorite color. However it had me thinking about it in the Van Gough eating-yellow-paint kind of way, that she's so desperate to be happy again she's willing to do anything to make that a reality, even if it means destroying her life. I didn't think the movie was great, but I did like it enough to buy it when you made the video announcement so....

[@LuisSierra42]

It was alright

[@VinnytotheK]

It was a fun watch.

[@abebuckingham8198]

I asked my Group Theory professor why we didn't cover the Sylow theorems in a first course and he said because the student's wouldn't allow it. Since then I've considered the audience when evaluating the sophistication of a film. Here, being teen horror, I think overt metaphors and obvious visual queues are fitting. To the experienced viewer they're blatant but to the intended audience it draws them into the craft. Anyway, I liked it.

[@jellyrollderp3193]

Here's why she wore white at the end! In the end when she dies and is in a pitch black void, Mia stands alone in white, even in death she's an outiler. Detached from her surroundings in the real world, detached from her surroundings in death. The only way for her to get another human connection again is from a bright yellow candle.

[@zoras9371]

So chilling 😢

[@MadMatt168]

Damn didn't think about it like that but I agree

[@MMEZ1324]

Great interpretation! Especially about the candle

[@Mirkwood_Forest]

Woah!

[@mylamename14]

Regarding the ending - is it actually “predictable”, or is it a tragic foregone conclusion that an addict with no support system will spiral until their addiction finally kills them? Is it truly a mercy to intervene (ex: killing the dying kangaroo) or is it kinder to let nature take its course? The film does an excellent job at conveying these ideas through Mia’s character. They may not be wholly unique themes, but they’re well done here.

[@gothgirlfriend713]

Very well put.

[@redisthecoolestcolour]

Excellent point, well made.

[@Xgil2Play]

To me, the idea doesn't have to be unique, only well executed. I welcome originality but i will always praise execution above all else and _Talk To Me_ hit many notes rights.

[@mulder006]

Perfectly said!

[@Cloudfats]

The no

[@malikphillips4794]

I had no clue people didn't enjoy this film. Everyone I've talked to absolutely loved it including myself.

[@-norsecode-]

My boyfriend didn't like it. But he tends to be a contrarian. I swear he purposefully refuses to like what I suggest, even though we like the same movies. What's not to like?

[@Layer-v5h]

@@-norsecode- the main character

[@Nahtan.9758]

​@user-lx3qt8zg5f you mean the best character

[@-norsecode-]

@@Layer-v5h explain.

[@dotus9959]

@@Layer-v5hshe’s pretty real ngl best part of the movie

[@VamshiOhgs]

The angle of trauma and addiction is what makes this film so unique, this is why horror films of such nature are so special and it being done by KZbinrs is such a huge step for not only them but countless others who are pursuing similar projects, it is just insanely respectful!

[@cristian9447]

subtle? 😂

[@Solararisa]

Trauma as the metaphor is not unique at all though, it has been overused a LOT. While I absolutely loved Talk to Me, I am kind of over it. Smile also used this, Hereditary used this and now it's a recurring trope in most horror movies in recent years.

[@ryanleechee2921]

@@Solararisaonly thing that brings views

[@Kryptix]

@@SolararisaWomp womp

[@bubblebeard-6095]

@@Solararisa They're horror films. Trauma is today's horror. Films being and tapping in to the culture is no surprise.

[@ohigetjokes]

This movie was wild, AMAZING performances, and overall just a real treat. I pity those who got bogged down on perceived “flaws” and missed what a treasure this production was.

[@veeem15]

agree! im very critical when watching movies and it comes from a place of passion but sometimes you gotta learn to stop LOOKING for something to be bad or go wrong. it's easy to lose yourself in an attempt to be some sort of intellectual "cool" person who criticizes movies and forget how to just enjoy a good flick sometimes.

[@barry4649]

What flaws though? I thought this was a genuinely perfect horror film

[@CorbCorbin]

@@veeem15 I just found it dumb, that no one mentions the supernatural hand, when people are hurting themselves, or the adults and authorities, or even scientists from the local college, just showing up wanting that hand. That’s just a movie thing. Mia’s character changes are what really took me out of it. She goes on an investigation about the hand, and is told that what is happening to her was the same as the boy who hurt someone, not knowing what was real. Then she just forgets everything she’s been told, when she knows that the spirits have done this to someone else, and goes to kill him anyway. I thought it was an interesting idea, that the spirit could learn how to pull a living person into the afterlife, but it wasn’t what they were doing. It was just the basic “evil spirit gives person hallucinations, about a loved one suffering, so they’ll do something horrible” trope.

[@barry4649]

@@Lavithz I really disagree with that. The main character doesn’t do dumb things because she’s dumb, she does dumb things because she’s so desperate to see her mother again and is being manipulated by the ghosts, and there’s no way you predicted that ending

[@bece00]

​@@Lavithzim so sorry but making characters have flaws is 100% better than whatever you seem to think is good. You seem to have the mindset of a child. Characters make "dumb" choices so the director can send messages to the audience about drug abuse and how it relates to personal trauma. Your view is very shallow in comparison.

[@ashleylee7103]

I think this analysis is right on point. I do think a crucial point is being missed. Yellow isn't the color of trauma, it's a warning. The kangaroo in the beginning is a direct reference to Mia's current struggles with grief and addiction. The kangaroo gets left to die because Mia can't deal with the problem that was created by her. Teen addicts get left to die because their parental figures and roll models can't/won't address the issue that drove their children into addition in the first place. Mia is a literal warning sign while giving out warning signs to her father and the people around her that she's going down a dark path. She needs help, she needs comfort, she needs a support system and just like she failed that kangaroo by choosing to leave it for dead, Mia's father and friends are leaving her for dead by choosing to ignore the root problem. Mia is a warning sign for us as the audience as well. We have to bare witness to everything Mia is going through. We watch her struggle and go down this dark path and the choices that brought her there. We as the audience can't do anything to help her, but odds are we wouldn't have done anything for her if we were witnessing it first hand in our own faces. That's the point of the film imo, addiction is not a personal issue, it's an epidemic and a societal issue. We as a society, and as loved ones, need to support and fight for the people who can't support themselves. Mia is our warning sign, we couldn't help her, but we can help the next Mia.

[@Passionatelycurious91]

Wow

[@aktherula2048]

facts,, this is a true physiologically horror in my eyes “talk to me” is used metaphorically just like the hand

[@courtkendell]

fully. the guy on the bus notes that if you stop using the hand, eventually the spirits’ grip on an individual lessens and lessens, but his brother didn’t-that doesn’t prompt any of mia’s friends to intervene, to listen to his story of caution, to help mia. instead, they watch and let mia deal with the spirits (addiction) on her own, and none of them stop her (or even try to help her) from using the hand again. it shows, again, that addiction is not a personal issue, but an epidemic and societal issue, and that her support network could help, but don’t/can’t.

[@amandabohman8178]

Man, I actually loved Mia. The actress does such a good job displaying grief, loneliness, and a longing for connection. By the end, I actually just felt so sad for her.

[@LTAhmstrong]

Not sure if anyone has picked up on it, but the scene at the end when the father is ignoring Mia and getting in the elevator. The triangle elevator ping at the top of it indicates its going up and she can't come. I think they're indicating that his spirit is ascending(heaven), whille Mia's is staying put in purgatory or limbo, effectively being trapped.

[@Drayton-tv1tz]

Why do you effectively think that is? Do you think it's because Mia is trapped with her own subconscious and she doesn't deserve a chance to go up with him, or do you think she hasn't proven herself enough in order to go up with him?

[@kevinb1776]

@@Drayton-tv1tzthey explain in the movie, if you die in the spirit’s possession, they have you forever.

[@NdzNdzNdz]

i thought the exact same while watching!!

[@courtneyloveenthusiaist]

the soundtrack for this movie is so good. It really captures the fun teenage sound but in a eerie kinda off sounding way .

[@realEnNbitch]

Sadistik is the perfect choice for closing track

[@notimportant3686]

i couldn't stand all the hip hop, completely took me out of it

[@renzjarredhsantiago3985]

@@notimportant3686 ur just old

[@RixMorales]

Wow, I didn't notice that this scene 10:45 is a direct foreshadowing of Mia's own demise. Even the framing and position of the injured kangaroo joey perfectly aligns with her own.

[@shivamsud]

also the tire marks showing the same path mia took around the kangaroo

[@migmikko]

What ? How could you not notice that? The movie made it so obvious! The audience was supposed to make the comparison.

[@Francisca-wq4ei]

​​@@migmikkoLOL I wonder the same...it's a super common trope but I guess it depends on how many movies you've seen

[@kylebrandt8344]

Also an audio clue of the kangaroo in the climax as Mia is taking Riley from the Hospital.

[@dinkyg1830]

You know I never noticed that! I recognise the technique of foreshadowing but I just didn't pick up on it either. Geez, all these new things I'm learning from the comments even after watching the movie twice! (shameful I know). I also just found out that Jade pushed Mia! Can't believe it

[@Beforeitgetsdark]

I love how the filmmakers committed to the premise and allowed Mia to go all the way down that dark path. I'm sure a more "Hollywood" take on Talk to Me would have tried to save the protagonist.

[@FawnieFox]

This is what changed my mind about the film. As it was wrapping up I thought Mia would get a decent ending, but I was surprised in the last 10 minutes of the film. I like that they let it be dark. I think it was fitting.

[@jinjoo7092]

I really thought that she would go save the kid and then it just ended. I was like oh shit

[@DefaultProphet]

@@jinjoo7092she did save Riley. Instead of pushing him into traffic like the spirits were trying to force her to do she jumped into traffic instead.

[@aktherula2048]

@@DefaultProphetshe was pushed by jade

[@DefaultProphet]

@@aktherula2048 No she wasn’t. Jade wasn’t anywhere near her at that point Edit: oh shit you’re right.

[@joshua.merrill]

For a budget of $4.5mil, as a first-time film from KZbinrs, I thought Talk to Me was pretty dang outstanding! The scene with the little brother doing the seance is one of the most brutal I’ve seen in a movie for a while!

[@charlotteroberts]

Seconded. I had to take a break and come back to the movie after. What a stellar performance and excellent direction.

[@dinkyg1830]

OMG yes, I was kinda covering my eyes a bit. You know something bad is gonna happen, but when it does, well, it's pretty horrifying.

[@QuinnClayton-z5c]

Lmao A24 produced it I think they are fine

[@Ravens_Claws_]

⚠️Spoilers for the story⚠️ This movie gave me the vibe of peer pressure into doing drugs and also drug addiction the first time I watched it. The main character is depressed and grieving, and she finds a way to “feel better”. She even says that using the hand makes her feel good when she’s using it. And then the others around her and even she herself peer pressured others into using it. Until one person has a “bad trip” and ends up in the hospital. As someone who had a family member get in and out of rehab for abusing drugs, it really stuck with me as soon as I saw it. I also really like the use of audio whenever Mia is in an unstable mental state. Especially the scene after Riley bangs his head against the drawer or whatever and she walks out of the room. Also, the scene were her dad tried to talk to her and we don’t understand what he says. I was a very accurate representation of what auditory processing disorder sounds like (aka someone talks to you and your brain doesn’t process it and it just sounds like gibberish). It also just shows how much she disassociates. Overall, the scary parts of this movie really scared me. I loved the cinematography and audio. But the rest of the story wasn’t as interesting as the scary part.

[@jamesmaxwell1940]

Nailed it! I thought the exact same thing, the occult hand thing is just a metaphor for dangerous psychoactive drugs that react unpredictably with different people, especially those who are less than emotionally stable. It went fine the first few times until someone had a bad trip and ended up in the hospital (like you said). Tripping around someone who's having a bad trip can really have an effect on you, and in Mia's case it's like her trip never really went away and she kept having flashbacks to the bad trip The conversation with the brother from the beginning could have pretty much directly applied to psychoactive drugs as well, when he says something like "You just keep doing it no matter how many lives you ruin"

[@ghoulish6125]

This was alluded to with the kids smoking cigarettes in the beginning. Drugs are the theme, cope is the mechanism that starts the machine.

[@mylamename14]

Tying down the user to the chair is very reminiscent of when addicts constrict their arm (commonly with a belt, like in the film) to find a vein for injectable drugs.

[@jinjoo7092]

I found that this is what made it so good and interesting. Honestly, I don’t care much for ‘scary’ anymore because nothing (paranormal) scares me anymore. The real fright is in her descent into addiction and depression hell.

[@dinkyg1830]

You see, I watched this movie at face value and really enjoyed it. It works well at an allegorical level too.

[@a7xandria198]

At 12:05, the sweater the protagonist wears after the first possession appears to be green when you stated that it is blue (there's a point to this). It makes sense for it to be green as it further reinforces your point on symbolism: Mia (yellow) is now in sync with the spirit (blue), the combination of which is green. As always, your ability to disect films the way you do is both informational and entertaining. Well done, and thank you for your work on this.

[@airtracker88]

I thought this was one of the best films of the year, but I wanted to point out that Riley's "IVE" bag is actually his catheter bag. Hence, the yellow-tinted liquid and the location of the bag being near the end of the bed. You're awesome! Keep up the good work.

[@bgeese1918]

I forgot what happened with the IVE/catheter bag? Is there something relevant to it?

[@airtracker88]

@@bgeese1918 It changed color to black when Mia went to go kill Riley in the hospital. I'm not sure the relevance to the story. My guess is to show that the ghosts were still in Riley's body or to show that Mia was hallucinating due to ghost within Mia.

[@SpikimaMovies]

Yesss I realized after the fact that maybe it ain't it, so thank you for teaching me what that is exactly

[@deariisy]

IVE MENTIONED 💯💯💯💯⁉️⁉️‼️❓‼️‼️❗❗❗⭕⭕⭕⭕⭕♨️💢💢💢🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅🦅 #WHATSAFTERLIKE #YOUMAKEMEFEELLIKEELEVEN #LOVEDIVE #KITSCHKITSCHKITSCH

[@glindaroni99]

i thought talk to me was a stellar movie! it’s not perfect by any means, but horror (and media in general) has mostly become a world of franchises and remakes so it’s really promising to see original stories be boosted into the public consciousness. the story definitely borrows elements from other movies (not a dig because everything is derivative in some way) but the way it was filmed and the character interactions made the possession concept feel fresh. plus, cinema has REALLY struggled to present gen z/younger people in a way that feels relatable or authentic so for doing that successfully, talk to me already far exceeds many other modern movies imo as a fan of horror, 2023 has been a great year so far! (ALSO THE TOE SUCKING SCENE WAS REALLY EFFECTIVE, I GAGGED)

[@dinkyg1830]

😂 yea it kinda reminded me of the whole Fergie toe-sucking incident

[@koanikal]

Not necessarily a "masterpiece" per se, I agree, but I feel it's one of the best horror movies in quite a while, in years in fact. 4 out of 5 for me. The hopeless ending is what elevates it for me. I don't want happy endings in horror. It's supposed to be horror after all.

[@dessertstorm7476]

that ending hit hard

[@-norsecode-]

What are horror masterpieces for you? I need some suggestions for Halloween.

[@Solararisa]

I want happy endings in horror films, lol. A horror film could be gut wrenching and hopeless the entire time, and end with a bang with a happy ending but not without a fair share of sacrifices down the line.

[@dessertstorm7476]

@@Solararisa both can work if done right

[@FawnieFox]

@@SolararisaI like to be surprised! I don’t mind a bad end, as long as it’s fitting. Same with a happy ending. I like when a film surprises me in a way that makes sense, or goes in a different direction than expected.

[@myragroenewegen5426]

Drowning might not be the logical truth of Mia or her mother, but the metaphor goes some very apt places. A drowning person is fundamentally unable to sustain themselves, sinking in isolation. They require someone to notice them and their distress and an outstretch hand from above to pull them up, followed by other close-hand support to get the substance that shouldn't be in their bodies (water in their lungs) out. This sounds a lot like Mia or her mother, sinking alone into depression and unable to stop taking in despair which weighs them down until death seems the only option. Greif only compounds that isolation and depression for Mia, and she can't tell that the only outstretched hand she can find isn't trustworthy and might be dragging her further down, rather than helping to pull her up and out.

[@erenfox1113]

Wow. This is a fucking awesome analysis, I never took a second look at the drowning choice.

[@EmyN]

Good catch! Then the drowned ghost lady represents what Mia is running the risk of

[@666britt]

i was so happy to see someone make a video about the colors in the film. it’s the first thing i really thought about more after watching. i told my boyfriend when we got home from the theatre i thought there was so much meaning behind yellow and mia

[@francociccone9999]

lol nah

[@catp1ss987]

The detail and effort put into this movie is infinately greater than 99% of horror movies I've seen (Outside of A24). I watched it three times and still picked up new details and analogies, and the story is told so creatively it reminded me of Hereditary or The Lighthouse. Probably the best that can come out of modern horror movies told this way.

[@mr.dirtydan3338]

You gotta get on some older horror. Shit even 2022 had some of the best horror in ages

[@catp1ss987]

@@mr.dirtydan3338 yeah probably should've specified 99% of NEW horror movies. I think reliance on jumpscares and cheap unearned tension is a elitively new thing that this movie is ale to mostly avoid

[@-norsecode-]

​@@mr.dirtydan3338like what?

[@mr.dirtydan3338]

@@-norsecode- Nope, Barbarian, pearl, fresh, prey, the menu, orphan

[@-norsecode-]

@@mr.dirtydan3338 I've seen Pearl and Orphan. I'll check out the others you mentioned. Thanks!

[@JustLatasha]

Yes! I saw the colors playing a different role: Yellow (Land of the Living) vs. Blue (Dead beneath the water) and Black (Purgatory) vs. White (Death). When Mia is in Black at the funeral, she's in-between the living and the dead through her arc when death (white) calls her home. Even while alive, she has always felt closer to death and always "knocking on death's door"!

[@owRekssjfjxjxuurrpqpqss]

This movie fucked me up and made me super uncomfortable as someone currently dealing with loss/grief. It’s a great horror movie but man it really got under my skin and made me more uncomfortable than just about any other movie I’ve seen.

[@charlotteroberts]

Wishing you strength with the loss/grief you're currently dealing with

[@almasakic1148]

Same. I lost my brother to a drug overdose last year and the themes of grief and addiction left me emotionally brutalized to be honest. That and the fact that I have dabbled with a Ouija board and had a bad experience so I have first hand experience with necromancy.

[@__berichh5375]

Had the same experience never finished it

[@counsellor_718]

I didn't go into this movie expecting anything and I absolutely enjoyed it. I appreciate all the metaphors, the story and the tech stuff but I think what made it a good movie to me ultimately came down to the fact that it was just so fun. The pacing, the story, the camera angles, the movie overall even if not perfect, was well done and most importantly - very refreshing. Also, off the top of my head I can't recall any horror movie that nailed the ending in this way. In my experience anyways, horror movies often feel kinda meh by the final act so the fact that this pulled through to the end was great.

[@dinkyg1830]

The ending was great and I didn't know where it was going until Mia got closer to the light. That scene did remind me vaguely of a scene out of The Others, mainly because of the pov and the presence of the medium/conduit,

[@sarahtyler1115]

I always thought about the lighting difference and the home differences between mias fathers home and jade and rileys home. The white lighting at her fathers home was harsh and more intense and the more modern feel of the home is less comfortable and then the warm lighting and more cluttered cozy environment at jades home. It leans into the elements that show mia feels deeply disconnected with her father and how she has become primarily comfortable at jade and rileys home.

[@Jackmarshall880]

If you have ever had a really bad trip on drugs I think this film hits much closer to home and amplifies the horror of it

[@MikeNapoli1989]

Can you explain

[@biggerthanlyfe9853]

@@MikeNapoli1989a bad trip honestly feels like a demonic possession sometimes. I’ve had auditory and visual hallucinations….When Mia dies and no one acknowledges her, I’ve had that exact same thing happen where the people around me didn’t feel real, my reflection in the mirror looked like me but it wasn’t me, it smiled and waved goodbye to me before the bad trip occurred, also had random suicidal thoughts that I’ve never had before, staring at a knife left on the counter, contemplating jumping off my balcony when I went outside to get fresh air etc. Also Daniel scene hits close to home as well and was spot on I had a friend in 12th grade have an orgasm without anyone touching her on my friends couch and she stopped herself when she noticed none of it was real and we were all staring at her (minus the dog and laughing at the uncomfortable situation). I locked in on the movie when I saw that happen to him too. The best way to describe it, is like something negative takes over and you’re in the passenger seat of your own body.

[@MikeNapoli1989]

@@biggerthanlyfe9853 wow.

[@msba7]

@@biggerthanlyfe9853 wow omg that's terrifying, I hope you're doing well right now.

[@bLEACHeye]

You just convinced me even more it's a masterpiece, yet somehow convinced yourself it isn't how SWAY HOW

[@AurorasWorldxox]

HE GOT THE ANSWERS SWAY 😂

[@Monius13]

I loved this film. I went in with almost no expectations and came out wanting to watch again to dig in deeper to see if I missed anything, such as what you talk about here. I'm in love with the stylistic choices they went with. They took a time-tested idea and they did their own thing with it. It seemed like every frame was planned out so carefully, and it showed that color choice, sound and camera work can tell just as much of a story as acting or writing. Whether someone loves or hates this film, it's clear a lot of thought and care went into it, which is more than we can say about some other films that's come out the past decade or two.

[@darcyhopkins9424]

With the yellow color I also think that we can think about Mia as a person who loves the danger and can't get out of the vicious circle, that being addicted to danger is. Like, she's doing this on purpose all the time and when she wears yellow, something bad always happens. The same was with Jesse from Breaking Bad, he always wore a yellow hoodie and that always meant the danger.

[@sjpd3352]

Mubi seems to throw out so many gems, thanks for your great breakdowns and the effort you put in!

[@MegaFrannypants]

Just a small detail, it's not an IV bag that fills with blood, it's a foley catheter drainage bag.

[@SpikimaMovies]

Ah! Thank you! I noticed after uploading that oh maybe this is something else and voila! Now I know. :)

[@MegaFrannypants]

@@SpikimaMovies Regardless, the video was awesome as always.

[@mistressofstones]

I just finished watching and this films gritty Australian realism makes the horror so much more intense. I felt like i was in denial like "this cant be happening". The fact it was made near where i grew up must have added to that effect to be honest. These are characters i "know" in a sense. What a great film! And the Australian soundtrack was good too. Got me feeling kind of patreotic over here haha

[@ND-kh5yw]

Yeah def makes it more intense if you're aussie. Especially cause we're not nearly as used to seeing ourselves on screen as we are with Americans and Brits hahah actually feels like people I know

[@ratacooties]

Very hard on the sound! There were many scenes that scared me because of how loud certain sounds were. Even if they were simple like the pillows. The scene when the protagonist continuesly slaps herself also made me feel a lot of things. I felt as if i was also slapping myself. It was so scary and the way it sounded was just so satisfying in a way. It's pretty hard to describe the way that scene really made me feel.

[@JRBeast-nw3xg]

I fricking loved Talk To Me. Sophie Wild’s performance really sells it for me as more than just a horror movie its genuinely a deep dive and bro grief and the choices of not wanting to let go and being connected to something of the past, loses trust and connection to those close and trying to help her. She can’t physically move on without her mother, she is trapped and confused on the manipulation of evil spirits pulling her down into her dreadful fate at the end. It emotionally hits very well at times. The twins did a great job with this movie and I’m excited to see what they will put out next and hopefully see their directing career and creativity evolve.

[@jemmackay6736]

Saw this with a Q&A at Picturehouse in London back in the summer, and I asked the directors if there were any movies they were particularly inspired by or rewatched during the process. They said Memories of Murder... So even more interesting to compare this video to your video on that one. Colour matters!

[@DanteSalcedo]

I LOVED this movie, it was a breath of fresh air in a decaying genre. I also agree with you that is far from being a perfect movie but it is way way better than most of the nonsensical cheap jump scare galore depicted in most horror movies nowadays. Kudos to the Philippou brothers on their Opera Prima.

[@Passionatelycurious91]

Mia said she had a recurring dream where her face was no longer hers or it was gine. Foreshadowing her walking past a mirror as a spirit

[@Nik2555]

One of best horror films I’ve seen in years. The scene where rilley is been molested by all the spirits in hell is still in my head

[@magicianrom]

I always love watching creators create movie/show/music documentaries!! The amount of work they do is incredible! I loved your analysis a lot!! you've picked on interesting details in this movie, which I hadn't notice! Overall Great video! All the best for future videos!

[@joycebrandon]

I absolutely loved it! Watched for the first time last weekend & will buy it for rewatching. I'm an older horror/thriller fan & when discussing movies I almost always find myself referring to characters by their roles or looks (I'm bad with names in real life, too). For example: the dad, the friend, the doctor. BUT, when I told my daughter about Talk to Me, she gave me the strangest look - because I was using the characters' names. The characters were so well done, and I empathized with them so much, I actually remembered their names! The story & the actors really made me care about the characters. That is rare as hen's teeth in this genre (for me, at least). I seriously loved it!

[@ProximoK]

I wouldn’t say talk to me is a masterpiece. But it’s wayyyyy better than ANYONES first movie has any right to be. The thing that surprised me is the control of ambiguity. The hand is one thing, and then it ends up not being what you thought it was. And then when you think about it after there is a lot of different things it could be. But it only allows you to see these hints sequentially. It’s a perfect misdirection.

[@timdecamillis3429]

This was easily my favorite horror movie of the year and my favorite movie in general since parasite. I think the sound is amazing in this movie, particularly when Mia starts hitting herself, not only does this give me some crazy goosebumps and flash backs to my own past but literally each of the three times I saw this in theaters most of the audience gasped loudly. Not like a jump scare and some teen girls yelped to each other, like massive amounts of people in pure shock! Amazing I don’t think I’ve ever seen that before

[@dinkyg1830]

I wish I had watched this in a packed theater. I watched it alone on Netflix, and the bit when the young boy has a turn with the hand really got to me and the bit in the hospital shower too. I feel bad that Mia couldn't get out of the spiral of despair but the ending seemed kind of apt. I did think that the part where Mia is singing in French whilst slowly turning her head to one side, made me chuckle, she resembles an automaton or cartoon character!

[@dinkyg1830]

I'm just wondering what your thoughts are on the movie Hereditary? You see, I saw that one in a fairly packed theater, and I kid you not, people were making clicking sounds in the audience (that sort of lessened the impact for me). It maintained a good sense of unease throughout the movie, but I suppose the payoff didn't match the level of unease that was building up, I even thought that the finale teetered on camp. At the end my friend and I were like 'what? Is that it??' I didn't feel that when I watched Talk to Me, I only kinda laughed when the kids were being a tad silly with the hand and not not taking being possessed/high very seriously. Definitely reminded me of some people I knew growing up.

[@jesterspit]

i absolutely loved this analysis! i appreciate how you dissected this despite admitting the movie wasn't for you. for me it's my fav horror release of the year, and this vid made me like it even more!

[@ScannerOfficial]

While this may not be a masterpiece, it's undeniably intriguing, well-considered, and impressively executed on various levels.

[@tysh_6723]

For the big chunk of my life I've avoided horror films because I thought they're made only to scare people with things like gore and jupmscares. But then my friends made me watch Talk to me and I realized horror is an actually fun genre. Every time something clever happened in the movie (the kangaroo parallel or Mia stabbing her father) I got so excited! And after this video I realized how more clever that movie is, especially with the color coding

[@shatteredscry]

It’s like people trying a steak: you need a GOOD steak! It’s why I lean towards psychological/analog horror more often than slasher films. It’s more poetic.

[@ichiliebe]

It was one of my favorite movies of the year! And watching this video made me appreciate it even more. Thank you so much for this analysis

[@myragroenewegen5426]

This is a good companion to another more general horror analysis video essay on here, "Why Yellow Dominates the Horror Genre" by abitfrank. That goes into some of the meanings of yellow in horror and particularly why it makes a natural danger colour.

[@theoriginalbunnygirl]

Like Georgie in the movie "IT" wearing a yellow rain jacket before meeting his demise.

[@microwavegommmm916]

Really enjoyed Talk to me, one of the best horrors I've seen in a while

[@lobbehym]

the color schemes sound techniques metaphorical underlinings, and endings reminded me of Smile. It was half popcorn horror half elevated horror. best of both

[@sablepuff]

oh my godddd this video could not have been posted at a better time. i just watched talk to me last week with my friends

[@tefmiles]

so glad you covered this one. this movie is astonishing

[@dazem8]

Now i have to watch again and notice the yellow and blue contrasts i never paid attention to the first time. I appreciate the symbolism in this film.

[@hallwaywarrior5286]

i love talk to me! performances, editing, makeup fx, a very original concept, perfect for horror and relevant to the modern world, with a story that has enough surprises to keep you guessing while integrating familiar tropes in clever ways. one of my favorite movies of the 2020s

[@ZephyrusAsmodeus]

I feel like symbolism dosent always have to be super subtle, and neither do people have to enjoy it when it's not. Some people aren't really too good at parsing symbolic meaning from media, movies like this and Annihilation, that choose not to be the kind of slash-fest of commercial horror hits in favor of wearing its messages, themes and symbolism on its sleeve are still important in their forwardness. It's not like life itself doesn't have obvious, in your face lessons and meanings to it sometimes too, some people enjoy the hunt for meaning, others enjoy the writing on the wall.

[@beargoesboom]

i am SO glad you’re doing a video on this movie!

[@jeffmatuszak477]

Perfectly executed. Innovative and daring. Brave directoral choices. Lived up to the hype, amazingly.

[@pidygonzales984]

i love this movie, i think it will reach the same popularity of movies such hereditary or midsommar, i 'm really looking foward to the next project by Danny and Michael Philippou

[@impwolf]

13:15 you could even say the film’s metaphors are…heavy-handed

[@jaguarenduda]

Ijust want to highlight Sophie Wilde's (Mia) AMAZING performance. The other actors were phenomenal as well but she absolutely killed her performance

[@pxndxzo]

honestly this is one of my favourite horror movies it hit personally

[@kiyalynn432]

Racka racka did an outstanding job with this movie and I loved every second of it.

[@kujo4388]

Unless you don’t like horror, how do you not like this film? Like it’s the best since hereditary!

[@myricn]

Very good point

[@barry4649]

What is this guy talking about “this film isn’t half as bad as some claim it to be”? The film is pretty much universally praised by people who’s even it and has a 90+% Rotten Tomatoes score

[@almasakic1148]

tbh the fact that he felt the need to make a disclaimer about it not being a masterpiece makes me think he just doesn't want to admit it. It is absolutely transcendent filmmaking

[@barry4649]

@@almasakic1148 yeah it definitely seems like elitism to some extent

[@shatteredscry]

Those viewers were just downright disturbed lol

[@arwenmoody7532]

Its crazy to hear that there are people that didn't fully enjoy this movie. I'm very picky about my horror movies and this one got to me. Maybe there are more pickier people than I am

[@LegionEagles22]

so...people think it's a bad movie, because...it's not a cinematic masterpiece? Just because it's not perfect doesn't mean it's bad. Very interesting video. Also, I love the soundtrack.

[@donovan7187]

Goddamn, this movie stuck with me for the next few days after seeing it. What hit me was the metaphorical depiction of addiction. As well as Grief, Trauma and Mental Illness. I was just breathless by the end. This was some next level horrendous twisted shit😣 I liked iiy!

[@XxBunnytailxX]

Also thank you for making sense of this. I have to admit I felt like this film was a bit messy, but now, even though it still wasn't my cup of tea, I can appreciate more of it's details.

[@r-o-s-e-ee]

the colours sort of remind me of a twisted wes anderson style, symbolising the characters, but not in a quirky, eccentric way that wes anderson's characters are typically portrayed. it was an amazing film 10/10, i'm going to watch it several more times lmao

[@13337ification]

Loved the respect paid to the mix and sound design in this video, also im glad someone mentioned the cement pillow 😂

[@feridedogan7653]

Normally i dont like such kind of movies with possesions. But the acting was so good . I really felt alot connection behind the cast wich is very rare in horror movies. Those kids are very talented. The parents were great too.

[@snaggytoothy]

Came running here after watching the movie today. I can't believe I didn't realize the ghost died of drowning. I hated (by that I mean absolutely loved it) the scenes where the mother ghost's face was blurry. I'm glad I wasn't alone watching the film. My favorite scene was when Mia was dreaming -- the sound of banging on the door was so loud but everything looked so warm on the screen, it made me so uneasy.

[@adelaideoressiewest966]

I've also been thinking about what is the significance of Jade's room & main colors of choice at the being pink. I noticed that Riley was also wearing a pink shirt the first night they went to the party, which I feel is indicating their innocence to grief/addiction. And then in the main possession scene, Riley is wearing all grey, which I feel like could be a sign that he's the most vulnerable in the process (easiest to bring from life to death). Jade in that scene wear a light green sweater, and is very noticeably jealous/threatened by Mia encroaching on her relationships with Riley & Daniel. (Idk i might be reading into it too much but at least the pink on Jade & Riley in the beginning felt significant

[@JaneDoe-ei6bu]

The explanation of this amazing, I really enjoyed this. Noticed such subtle things I didn’t realize.

[@jamooj]

WOW.... you're analysis is so thoughtful and I like that you consider multiple interpretations :)

[@Productions547]

I’ve been WAITING for this review 🤩

[@John_Fx]

How did they miss the opportunity to name this movie "Talk to the hand"

[@amorxomarice4952]

I really love ur takes on this movie, it's makes sense when looking through this lenses

[@Tiyanaonmarz]

i cant fathom how the dudes who made those funny yet disturbing ronald mcdonald videos on youtube over a decade ago mad a whole full production film SO UNREAL

[@cheeroh]

I just watched it yesterday! What a coincidence, I love your channel! :)

[@XxBunnytailxX]

One observation I made after letting the film sink in is that Mia herself navigates her life like a disembodied spirit. She just kinda hangs around where she isn't wanted, and even seems to attach herself to people whether they even want her to or not.

[@not-specified7866]

The biggest thing I noticed in the films was how Mia’s dad was not shot straight on in his scenes with her except for one….

[@goldteethe]

the acting is top notch.. really cant be argued … for young people to act so well..

[@thisisme5487]

This makes me think of the whole "people will fine patterns where they look for them" as well as the relationship between that and the likelihook of something being a coincidence going down as you see more and more of that pattern. Edit: Find*

[@ivanrotondo844]

It is my top horror film so far this year. I did notice the yellow, but didn't know what it meant. I will definitely watch it again. Thanks for explaining the color and sound techniques. What I thought weird and kind of out of place was that yellow robe/top so ugly she wore all the time. Maybe if yellow was the color, that was a bit too much.

[@-norsecode-]

If yellow represents life then the robe was used to protect her from the dead.

[@HeatherHolt]

I could have done without the making out with the dog scene. As I don’t feel it really added anything thematically. But I was happy to see such a risk taken and a different spin on tried and true possession movies.

[@manwoojin9494]

한국어 자막으로 너무 재밌게 보고 있습니다... 다음은 프레디도 리뷰 해 주시나유?

[@Dream__Eater]

Watching reviews like this make me feel like I am taking crazy pills.

[@almasakic1148]

lol why?

[@bmorebob6624]

Being a casual fan of film I really enjoyed this. I’d definitely rank it above the multitude of crappy to average horror films pumped out each year. However there was one decision the filmmaker made that unfortunately took me completely out of the experience. When the brother begins to loose it and beat his head against anything he can find the other people in the room just watch. They allow him to almost kill himself before finally stopping him. What gets me is there’s no reason for this. What would have more sense would be if they immediately tried to stop him but because of his possession he had added strength keeping them at bay. So that completely took me out of the film for a while but I was eventually able to overlook it and enjoy the rest of it. The lead actress was fantastic

[@rabbitfishtv]

Thanks. I learned a lot here. I haven’t been following reactions to the movie (which I saw last night), but it sounds like the herd followed the initial lukewarm response. I frankly think this film will grow in people’s estimation with time. Your analysis highlighted just what a careful movie it was, and I think that extends to the story, the acting, and directing to make this a powerful film about how our lack of connection and compassion leads to tragedy. Also, as a film with a lot to say about suicide and the people it traumatizes.

[@Rose_from_UK]

Well I never would have noticed or understood these nuances regarding colour and sound style. I do know I loved this movie, it still has me thinking about it weeks after I first watched it.

[@Neptune_EQ]

Talk to me was super good, but REALLY scary in my opinion. Just made me really uncomfortable. Very well done.

[@gothgirlfriend713]

This is a fantastic film analysis, I picked up on the yellow and was wondering its significance. Absolutely loved this movie. Subscribed!!!

[@eewahnah]

I'm hoping you'll get to see Birth/Rebirth, a recent horror film that is very Frankenstein-y in spirit but such a weird trip, especially in the dynamic of the two women on screen. The music is absolutely getting under your skin and somehow eases many of the strange, yet atmospheric scenes that give context to the clinical morgue worker.

[@rachelg7948]

I really liked this movie, and your analysis added to my appreciation of it - thank you, looking forward to working my way through your vid essays. I'd love to hear your take on Saltburn, especially colour and the themes in the score. Is it on your list? Thanks.

[@offonuserin1234]

I love this videos and I didn‘t even notice most things that you said while watching the movie. Thank you for your great work - your analysis of the movie is brilliant

[@ronaldtimoty]

the scene with the 2 dads was so chilling how the dad was relaxing downstairs and the other dad was banging on the door then to find out that she ended up stabbing the actual dad 🤯never get enough of dopple ganger moments

[@ricky1747]

Great video as always, just finished this movie and kinda confused about the ending. Btw, do you have a plan about making an essay about "The Menu" in the future?

[@cauinn]

hey bro, awesome video! which texts have you used for the making of the video? the base texts for the theories, concepts and all. Love the video, again, and thank you anyway 😊

[@belluzinha7004]

watching the first couple minutes of this film and read the comment section is insane because I've never seen someone talk badly about this movie

[@Ashbrash1998]

The story may not be ground breaking but all the details and choices really push it. Like they give us a brief explanation of the rules and lore with the hand and ghosts but are shakey based on what someone else told the people we meet. And the rest of the film gives us non verbal bread crumbs to how it all works but still has gaps of unknown. Do the ghosts speak to one another, do they meet eachother in the world? Do you have to die together? Etc etc