"Talk To Me" is a solid horror movie that shows the dangers of things "you ain't got no business messin' with" (to quote a Black proverb). Film-wise, it's the standard A24 affair: excellent videography, stunning visuals, and a story that keeps you invested. At a crisp 95 minutes, the movie moves quickly while still giving its characters time to grow and frighten you.
Sophie Wilde really ate this whole performance, no crumbs. (That means she did really well, for those confused.)
It's the typical "meddling with spiritual tool goes wrong" story. Although this time the Ouija board has been replaced with a mysterious ceramic hand. Characters say the magic words "Talk To Me" and supernatural shenanigans ensue.
I really enjoyed everything about this movie. There was never a time I felt the story lag, I genuinely cared for everyone on screen, and the ending was satisfying. Definitely give it a watch if you're a fan of horror and good storytelling.
This is the end of the spoiler-free content.
So each time someone uses the hand they see a spirit. They vary in grotesquerie and viciousness. Each one has to be invited in to possess the hand-holder; and just like the spirits, each possession is different. Some go full-on 'Exorcist', while others suck on people's toes or make-out with canines. Everyone who does the hand trick gets a sort of "rush" (Troye Sivan is shaking).
It's not until later that we find out the ceramic hand is actually the lost appendage of a medium. Their residual gifts can be accessed with the titular phrase. This not only explains how the hand works, but also why some people's experience is vastly different.
Throughout the movie we see three people have serious spiritual side-effects after using the hand: the main character Mia (Sophie Wilde), Mia's best friend's brother Riley (Joe Bird), and the opening's Duckett (Sunny Johnson). Why these three out of everyone else? I believe it's because each one of them already had some sort of medium ability. I don't think the movie ever indicates this, so it's purely from my own speculation. We see a Spirit follow Mia home after her first use; which is also described as "the best one yet" by Hayley (Zoe Terakes), current owner of the hand. Riley gets completely taken over on his first use. And while we didn't see much of Duckett, I bet he too had latent abilities.
On the other hand, none of the characters knew anything about mediumship or the occult; save for their "90 Seconds, Blow Out the Candle" rule. Just like how a Ouija board can open a portal that anything can use (and I do mean anything), the hand exposed the kids to Spirits that were way above their pay grade. At one point, after being visited and reassured by the supposed spirit of her mother, Mia learns she wrote a suicide note apologizing. Instead of believing the handwritten letter in-front of her, Mia listens to the Spirit - which then tricks her into nearly killing her dad. At the end, she's fully consumed by the Spirits' will - which has deadly consequences.
What's The Lesson?
- Start With Your Own Guides*. Each of us has a spiritual team: a group of helpful beings assigned to guide us through life. For most people, they are your Ancestors, Spirit Guides (animal spirits, elementals, deities, etc), and Guardian Angel. You can always connect with them at any time (no spiritual tools needed). Having a relationship with your guides strengthens your protections and teaches you how to interact with the non-physical.
- Stay In Your Lane. If you've never interacted with a Spirit before, I really caution you on trying to use ceramic hands or Ouija boards. Theses; along with rituals, spiritual "games", mirror incantations, etc; are ways to open yourself to a wide range of energies. Anything from a human Spirit to a demon could come through, and without the proper training and experience you wouldn't know the difference.
- Seek Someone Trustworthy. Just like Hayley, there's many who pretend they know a lot about the metaphysical and occult only to gain attention. It's important to really vet who you open yourself up to spiritually. Check out their work/reviews, see how they interact with others, and ask your guides for confirmation. That includes me as well. Discernment is a necessary tool you'll need in all areas of your spiritual path.
Did you see "Talk To Me"? Tell me what you thought in the comments below!
*I have a reading specifically for this: A Message From Your Guides.