The Australian horror film “Talk to Me” has struck a chord with audiences, becoming a sleeper hit and grossing $10 million at the box office over the weekend. However, the movie’s disturbing ending has left viewers with questions and interpretations. The directors of the film, Danny and Michael Philippou, known for their YouTube channel RackaRacka, have shed some light on the ending and even hinted at the possibility of a sequel.
The story follows Mia, portrayed by Sophie Wilde, who grievingly seeks solace after her mother’s apparent suicide. Intrigued by a haunted hand capable of summoning evil spirits, Mia becomes addicted to its power, leading to a tragic series of events that ensnare her and her friend’s little brother, Riley (Joe Bird), in a world of malevolent forces.
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Regarding the ambiguous ending, the Philippou twins want to leave some aspects open to interpretation, allowing viewers to analyze the final scenes themselves. Mia finds herself in a state of purgatory, one of the spirits she had summoned, after being driven to madness by the eerie embalmed hand. The directors maintain that the film is a tragedy, reflecting their own fears and anxieties while crafting a compelling narrative.
Despite the eerie subject matter, the set was described as the “funnest place to be” by Danny Philippou. The cast and crew engaged in amusing rehearsals and games to lighten the mood before intense possession sequences. The infamous haunted hand prop, molded from the forearm of production designer Bethany Ryan, was treated with care and kept away from unnecessary handling. Strangely, the person who last worked on the hand before delivering it to set quit their job that night, adding an air of mystery and spookiness to the production.
As for a potential sequel, the directors are torn between two options: continuing the story around Mia and the existing characters or exploring another part of the movie’s universe. While they acknowledge that a sequel may be enticing, they are also keen on other projects, such as their involvement in Legendary’s Street Fighter adaptation.
The success of “Talk to Me” has piqued interest in both the ending’s interpretation and the possibility of a sequel. Fans are left to ponder Mia’s fate, and the Philippous are content with leaving some questions unanswered while enjoying the positive response to their horror film.