A24’s Hit Horror Film Talk to Me Now Streaming on Netflix
As of March 28, audiences can dive into the chilling world of the Australian horror film Talk to Me, now available for streaming on Netflix. Released in 2023, this thrilling narrative follows a group of teenagers who stumble upon an embalmed hand that grants them the terrifying ability to connect with spirits. These adolescents navigate the experience under a strict 90-second guideline to prevent permanent possession by the entities they summon. However, as the rules fall by the wayside, dark and unsettling visions envelop the protagonist, Mia, leading to a gripping storyline.
Talk to Me has quickly garnered a reputation as a dark yet captivating viewing experience, keeping audiences engaged with its unexpected twists until the very end. The film’s compelling performances, particularly from its youthful cast, offer a depth that fans of A24’s horror genre have come to appreciate. At launch, it achieved a remarkable score on Rotten Tomatoes, maintaining positive critical reception as it reaches a wider audience through its Netflix release.
Remarkable Financial Success and Critical Acclaim
Upon its debut, Talk to Me set a new milestone by surpassing the acclaimed film Hereditary to become A24’s highest-grossing horror movie to date. In its opening weekend, the film amassed an impressive $10.4 million, significantly exceeding its production budget of $4.5 million (via Deadline). It retained a strong presence in the box office, remaining within the top ten for six consecutive weeks, resulting in a cumulative gross of $91.9 million globally, compared to $80.9 million for Hereditary (via The Numbers).
In addition to its box office triumph, Talk to Me ranks as A24’s third highest-grossing film overall, following the success of Civil War (2024) and Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022). Its popularity is reflected in its ratings as well, where it aligns with Ti West’s X as one of A24’s top-rated horror films on Rotten Tomatoes, placing 18th in the overall rankings for the studio.
Upcoming Sequel: Talk to Me 2
A Glimpse into the Future
The phenomenal success of Talk to Me has prompted A24 to develop a sequel, with directors Danny and Michael Philippou set to return. While specific plot details are still under wraps, the film’s conclusion leaves several intriguing possibilities. One scenario might see Mia returning as a spirit, while another could introduce an entirely new cast interacting with the ominous hand. Furthermore, audience interest could be piqued by exploring the origins of the hand, a narrative angle hinted at in brief prequel clips released during the original film’s promotion.
Initially aimed as promotional material, these clips showcased character development for Duckett, a figure introduced in the film’s opening but were ultimately pulled due to their graphic nature. While this approach did not garner the expected marketing success for Talk to Me, it illustrates the multiple prospects for expanding the hand’s narrative. Regardless of the storyline chosen, the upcoming sequel is poised to be a notable addition to A24’s impressive filmography.
Sources: Deadline, The Numbers, Rotten Tomatoes