Podtalk: Danny & MIchael Philippou for Their Film ‘Talk to Me’

Submitted by PatrickMcD on July 25, 2023 - 10:17pm

CHICAGO – True unforgettable scares in a horror film are few and far between, despite many attempts. The unsettling air of the new film “Talk to Me” is lingering, as created by two Australian brothers and YouTube sensations, Danny & Michael Philippou. Their channel RackaRacka gave them the opportunity to make their debut film.

Australian teens Mia (Sophie Wilde), brother/sister Riley (Joe Bird) and Jade (Alexandra Jensen) gather with other friends to participate in a bizarre “lights out” ritual. A plastered mummy hand is grasped by an individual as they intone “talk to me,” and when a spirit appears they entreat them to enter their bodies. Remarkably, it works differently for Mia, Jade and especially Riley, with unintended consequences. When the effects prove not to wear off, trouble from the inhabitants of the afterlife soon follow. The film was co-directed by Danny (also co-writer) and Michael Philippou in their feature film debut.

’Talk to Me,’ Co-Directed by Michael & Danny Philippou (inset)
Photo credit: A24/Patrick McDonald for HollywoodChicago.com

Danny and Michael were also the founders of the viral sensation YouTube channel “RackaRacka” with over two billion views and seven million subscribers. Using a combination of wrestling films and odd pop culture stand-offs (Harry Potter vs. Star Wars, for example), the pair won the Best International YouTube channel at the 6th “Streamy Awards.”

In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Danny (talking first) and Michael Philippou speak on “Talk to Me” …

Trailer, “Talk to Me” …

CLICK HERE for a 4/5 audio film review of “Talk to Me” by Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com.

“Talk to Me” is in theaters beginning July 28th. Featuring Sophia Wilde, Alexandra Jensen, Joe Bird, Otis Dhanji and Miranda Otto. Written by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman. Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou. Rated “R”