A24, for the most part, has been consistent with their specific releases when it comes to the horror genre. With the likes of Ari Aster's Hereditary, Robert Eggers's The Lighthouse, Kevin Smith's Tusk and Rose Glass's Saint Maud, if there is one thing in common as well as most of the films by the said studio not part of the genre, they are not afraid to take risks. In fact, while admittedly using the familiar horror tropes audience are used to seeing but they innovate them and make it as their own - just like Talk to Me.

Talk to Me is, by far, the creepiest and interesting film of 2023. Aside from Beau is Afraid which is bonkers, Talk to Me features the typical scenario as presented by Aster's Hereditary in how people use the power of exorcism and supernatural force in order to overcome grief. However, the film was able to stand on its own by actually creating a scenario of how teenagers use the creepy hand as something for fun - until it goes too far.

In terms of the cast, everyone performed well in their respective roles. Never did they feel as pretenders but rather real people. But the actor that stood out the most was definitely Sophia Wilde as Mia. Her character is someone the audience can relate to, not just because of the grief that she is trying to overcome but as to how she reacts to the horrific sequences that is happening to her and the people that are close to her.

The best thing from this film is unlike generic horror movies, it does not rely too much on the jump scares. In fact, just like Hereditary, it is the creepy vibes, disturbing imagery and unexpected gore scenes that boosts the film's horror vibes. It does not have a lot of exposition which is good considering not everything has to be spoon-fed to the audience.

As for the story, it presents an allegory of addiction (not necessarily drugs) and how it is used to overcome the depression and loneliness felt. At the beginning, it starts out slow, trying to know the characters through their conversations. But the film picks up once the hand is presented, how it influences Mia's choice and the effect of it all. From there on, the film does not hold back with its horrific elements. Despite the final act could have been better, it was an overall solid horror film.

Talk to Me is finally that horror movie that people who are fans of the genre should definitely watch in the cinema. Want something bold and original? Then this is the film that should earn more recognition.