FILM: 7.5/10.

Talk to Me marks the feature debut of the Phillipou brothers, the brains behind the RackaRacka YouTube channel. Stepping into the well-trodden territory of possession horror, the film manages to carve out its own unique niche while maintaining a sense of familiarity.

From the get-go, the movie sets an eerie and disturbing tone that grips you. As a fan of the horror genre, I appreciate the fresh take on possession, and the Phillipou brothers' skillful direction creates an unsettling atmosphere that keeps me engaged. The dialogue from the kids occasionally feels a bit out of touch with the latest trends, but it's a minor quibble in the grand scheme.

One standout aspect is the brothers' willingness to explore various facets of horror. Instead of relying solely on jump scares and predictable shocks, they expertly weave together gore, psychological twists, and moments of gross-out horror. It's a commendably diverse approach which keeps the scares fresh and interesting.

As much as I was drawn into the first half, the film falters a bit in the second. The tension and energy of the beginning don't quite hold up, and that's a bit of a letdown. But credit where it's due-the Phillipou brothers are unafraid to flip the script. They're injecting unpredictability into the narrative, and in a sea of cookie-cutter blockbusters, that's refreshing.

With a runtime of 95 minutes, Talk to Me manages to make an impact, even if the concept loses a bit of steam around the hour mark. Despite this, the ending picks up the pace and brings back some of the lost momentum, saving the day.

In a world inundated with horror films, Talk to Me stands out with its unique blend of unsettling atmosphere, innovative horror elements, and the boldness to defy expectations. While not flawless, it's a solid addition to the genre and a promising debut from the Phillipou brothers. I look forward to seeing what these local lads come up with next.

FORMAT: Cinema

VIDEO: 10/10.

4K theatrical presentation, Detail level: Excellent, Colour reproduction: Excellent, Level accuracy: Excellent, Encode: Excellent, Master condition: Excellent

AUDIO: 9/10.

Theatrical Dolby Digital audio, Dialogue reproduction: Excellent, Soundtrack & effects clarity: Excellent, Dynamics: Excellent, Surround sound presentation: Good, LFE content: Good

MOOFIEMETER: 8/10.