Esteemed filmmaker Peter Jackson, renowned for his directorial work on iconic films such as the “Lord of the Rings” and “Hobbit” trilogies, has enthusiastically lauded a recent horror movie as the “best, most intense” he has encountered in years.
With his extensive contributions to the film industry, Jackson’s opinions carry substantial weight, given the critical acclaim and box office success he has achieved. The directors of the horror film in question, Danny and Michael Philippou, are sure to be gratified by Jackson’s commendation for their debut feature, which was released on July 28.
Expressing his sentiments through Ahi, one of the movie’s distributors for regions including Aotearoa and Australia, Jackson hailed the film for its relentless scariness and unsettling nature, stating, “Talk To Me isn’t just good – it’s very, very good.” He went further, asserting that the Australian production is “the best, most intense horror movie I’ve enjoyed in years.”
This high praise echoes accolades from other notable figures in the horror genre, including Jordan Peele, creator of the acclaimed “Get Out,” and Ari Aster, known for his work on critically lauded films like “Hereditary” and “Midsommar.”
Peele and Aster both personally commended the Philippou twins for their film, which was acquired by A24, a prominent independent production company, following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.
The plot centers on Mia, portrayed by Sophie Wilde, a teenager who forms a connection with peers conducting séances with an embalmed hand. As the story unfolds, Mia’s interactions take a supernatural turn as her deceased mother reaches out from beyond.
At the time of writing, “Talk To Me” has garnered $31 million in the US box office. The film’s success is evident by its ranking as one of A24’s top five highest-grossing domestic films, according to Variety.
Anticipation is building for a sequel, with the Philippou siblings set to return as directors. In a glowing four-star review, The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey praised the film’s practical effects and Wilde’s captivating performance. Comparisons were drawn to Sam Raimi’s “The Evil Dead” franchise, suggesting that enthusiasts of that series would find enjoyment in “Talk To Me.”
