In the age of being constantly connected to the internet, it’s no surprise that kids are prone to doing stupid stuff. But what happens when the virtual world starts to infiltrate and impact real-life relationships? How does being “terminally online” redefine the concept of genuine connection? These are some of the thought-provoking questions raised by the horror film, “Talk to Me,” directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. Although the movie doesn’t revolve around the internet per se, its omnipresence acts as an invisible force, influencing the lives of the characters, much like the deceased spirits they are trying to communicate with.
The story revolves around Mia, a teenager who finds solace and companionship in her relationships with Riley and Jade, a brother-sister duo, following the tragic death of her mother. At a house party, their friend introduces them to a mysterious ceramic hand adorned with cryptic writings. By lighting a candle, holding the hand, and uttering the titular phrase, one can summon the ghost of a random deceased person and even allow the spirit to possess their body temporarily.
While the premise may seem reminiscent of other films about teenagers dabbling in the occult, what sets “Talk to Me” apart is its realistic portrayal of the seance scenes. Instead of an eerie ambiance or dark rituals, the seances take place in typical settings, resembling a stoner friend’s basement in college. As the possession of each character unfolds, their friends pull out their phones, capturing videos and mocking their altered state. And despite their friends’ pleas, the possessed individuals proceed to share the videos on social media.
In this context, the horror stems not from demonic creatures per se, but from the callousness and cruelty displayed by the characters towards their peers. It sheds light on the fear of losing a found family, highlighting the themes of connection, grief, and coping mechanisms. Remarkably, the film initially portrays the act of letting a dead person possess the kids’ bodies as harmless fun, as long as it is not taken to an extreme. The warning is simple: don’t stay possessed for too long or delve too deeply into the underworld, but otherwise, one should be fine.
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However, as the story progresses, the familiar spirits take a darker turn, reinforcing the film’s exploration of connection, grief, and coping mechanisms. What stands out the most is the pressure exerted by social media, subtly underlying the lives of these characters. Considering that the directors, the Philippou twins, began their careers on YouTube, this aspect resonates strongly. The twins, who have been creating videos since their early teens, even faced police charges for a stunt involving driving a car filled with water. This insider perspective adds weight to the portrayal of the characters’ actions under the influence of social media.
Within this framework, it becomes evident that the characters in “Talk to Me” are not only dealing with the challenges posed by supernatural forces but are also being coerced by their peers into participating in risky behavior. The pressure to go beyond their limits for the sake of content creation and online validation is palpable. Even in moments of fear or terror, their experiences are met with excitement, as if it’s all just #content to be shared with the world.
Paradoxically, the film itself doesn’t explicitly focus on the internet or its impact. It doesn’t delve into the realms of social media likes or comments, nor does it confirm whether anyone is even watching these videos. Instead, “Talk to Me” concentrates on portraying the psychological effects that the burden of performance can have on the individual behind the camera.
In conclusion, “Talk to Me” raises important questions about the influence of the internet on real-life relationships, especially among teenagers who are constantly connected. Through its unique narrative, the film explores the consequences of peer pressure and the line between harmless fun and dangerous behavior in the pursuit of online validation. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us to consider the impact of our actions both online and offline, and to cherish and nurture genuine connections in a world dominated by the virtual.
