Podcast Summary: Deep Cuts Horror Hit List #6 “Talk To Me”

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode Date: October 26, 2025
Host(s): Amy Robach, T.J. Holmes
Episode Theme: In this installment of their “Deep Cuts Horror Hit List” series, Amy and TJ spotlight "Talk To Me," a standout Australian horror film, and break down why it sits at #6 in their countdown of must-see, under-the-radar horror movies as Halloween approaches.

Episode Overview

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes dissect “Talk To Me,” an acclaimed horror film from 2023 by directors Danny and Michael Philippou. They discuss its unique approach to supernatural horror, its impressive emotional depth, and why its success changed indie horror expectations. The episode mixes critical review, anecdotal reactions, industry context, and recommendations for horror fans seeking a genuine scare.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why “Talk To Me” Stands Out

• Not Your Standard Horror Movie
  • TJ: "This was such a shocking and pleasing delight because this was not your standard horror movie." [03:51]
• Fear Factor for Seasoned Horror Fans
  • Amy: "I was so scared. And I think when you watch as many horror movies as we do to say I was so scared, there’s a high threshold and this one meets it." [04:09]
  • Amy admits she had to look away from the screen during certain scenes due to the intensity, a rare occurrence for her.

2. Plot and Approach

• Brief Synopsis (courtesy Amy):
  • "When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill. Until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces." [05:01]
  • The setting is a teen party, but the film avoids typical silliness or camp.

3. Atmosphere, Intensity, and Execution

• Sustained Discomfort
  • TJ: "There are several scenes I’m thinking about now I don’t want to watch again. I look away at certain parts of this movie." [05:51]
  • The hosts note a relentless sense of unease and emotional intensity.

4. Production and Cast Highlights

• Budget and Box Office
  • Amy: "For a budget of just $4.5 million... made almost $92 million worldwide." [05:59, 06:08]
  • TJ: "That is a low—this is a good looking movie." [06:33]
• Behind the Camera
  • Directed by Australian brothers Danny and Michael Philippou, marking a strong debut in the horror genre.
• Ensemble and Performances
  • Sophie Wilde singled out for an Oscar-worthy performance.
    • TJ: "She had to do so much range wise in terms of emotion... She is just dynamic and her ease and ability to cry and convey emotion and pain—oh so good." [07:16–07:35]
    • Amy: "Sophie Wilde made this movie." [06:46]
  • The cast features primarily Australian actors, contributing to the authentic vibe.
  • Miranda Otto performs memorably as a mother figure.

5. Critical and Audience Reception

• Rotten Tomatoes Scores
  • Amy: "It was 94%" (Critics); "And the audience score, 83%." [08:13–08:16]
• Divisive Second Half
  • Amy: "Some say the second half wasn’t as good as the first half."
  • TJ: "There was a lot of buildup and intrigue and mystery and even tension in that first half. That second half—buckle up." [08:32–08:41]

6. Notable Quotes & Insights

• Unique Approach
  • Amy, referencing critics: "With a gripping story and impressive practical effects, Talk To Me spins a terrifically creepy 21st century horror yarn built on classic foundations." [08:51]
  • TJ: "They found a new way to tell [a ghost story]…these guys, the masters of modern horror." [09:02]
• Sustained Distress
  • TJ: "The shower scene, the boy in the hospital…I wanted that to end. Stop this." [09:49]
  • Both hosts discuss how the film holds on intense moments, increasing their impact.
• Emotional Resonance
  • Amy, quoting an audience review: "If you’ve ever lost someone extremely important to you, it will resonate on a deeper level. How far would you be willing to go to communicate one more time with the loved one you lost?" [12:32]
• Personal/Negative Review
  • Amy reads a critical review dismissing the film as "a 90 minute parable about guilt and not dealing with one’s abandonment issues." [13:16]
  • TJ critiques the reviewer’s personal biases and underscores the film’s craftsmanship: "The suggestion here that you don’t respect it means we shouldn’t take you seriously." [14:50]

7. Cultural and Genre Context

• Place in Modern Horror
  • TJ compares “Talk To Me” to “Insidious” (2011) and “The Conjuring” (2013), emphasizing how certain breakthrough horror films reset expectations for fans and critics alike. [20:10–21:24]
• Not Just One-Trick Pony
  • Amy: "It doesn’t have to just be a one trick pony. And I think that’s what we’ve seen over the last decade at least." [21:25, 21:32]

8. Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Watch

• Who It's For
  • Amy: "Anyone who wants to be scared. Like, this is genuinely scary. Be prepared to have to hide your eyes." [22:23]
  • TJ: "It’s not gratuitous… It’s just a choice. And it’s powerful." [22:40]
• Who It’s Not For
  • Amy: "If supernatural stuff creeps you out, stay the hell away from this. And if you don’t want anything too intense... this is not your movie." [22:49]
  • TJ: "This is one joke, one point of laughter in the movie." [23:02]
  • Both note the intensity is unrelenting; there’s little comic relief.

9. Movie Night Recommendations

• Food & Drink Pairings
  • Amy suggests popcorn, or themed fare like chicken or shrimp on the barbie, or Foster’s beer for an Aussie touch: "Maybe just throw a little Australian theme to it…keep it simple." [24:14]
  • TJ: "You’re going to need a stiff drink at some point... This is absolutely a 40—oh, no, 80 proof and above movie." [24:48, 25:06]

10. Streaming Availability

• "This is on HBO Max, also Paramount Plus. So you can, if you have Hulu or Prime and you’ve got that Paramount Plus addition, which of course we do, you can watch on either of those." [25:11] — Amy

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• TJ:
  • “This was such a shocking and pleasing delight because this was not your standard horror movie.” [03:51]
  • “There are several scenes I’m thinking about now I don’t want to watch again… I look away at certain parts of this movie.” [05:51]
  • “That is a low—this is a good looking movie.” [06:33]
  • “She had to do so much range wise in terms of emotion in this movie. She had to play a friend, a brother, a…a grieving daughter…so good.” [07:16–07:35]
  • “It’s a ghost story like you’ve never seen.” [11:47]
• Amy:
  • “I was so scared… had to look away a couple of times because I was too scared to keep watching.” [04:09]
  • “Sophie Wilde made this movie.” [06:46]
  • “It’s a horror mystery thriller…When a group of friends discover how to conjure spirits using an embalmed hand, they become hooked on the new thrill. Until one of them goes too far and unleashes terrifying supernatural forces.” [05:01]
  • “If you’ve ever lost someone extremely important to you, it will resonate on a deeper level.” [12:32]
• Critics (as quoted by hosts):
  • “What hits hardest is the intense scenes of violence…It’s like a more sadistic Evil Dead movie.” [09:26]
  • “The first half is as compelling as it gets, effectively conjuring horrifying images from the underworld and scarier yet, the troubled souls of the bereaved.” [10:27]

Segment Timestamps

• [03:24] – Opening Analysis & First Impressions
• [05:01] – Plot Summary & Setting
• [06:08] – Production Details, Cast & Reception
• [08:13] – Critical & Audience Scores
• [09:26] – Critics’ Reviews, Effects, and Standout Scenes
• [12:32] – Audience Reviews and Emotional Themes
• [13:16] – Responding to a Negative Review
• [19:48] – Return from Break; Historical Context in Horror Films
• [22:21] – Who This Film is For (and Not For)
• [24:14] – Food, Drink & Themed Pairings
• [25:11] – Streaming Information
• [25:31] – Teaser for Next Episode

Tone & Language

The discussion is lively, passionate, and banter-filled. Both hosts relay genuine reactions—sometimes squirming, sometimes reverent, but always enthusiastic about the movie’s boldness and impact. They engage humorously with each other, especially when dissecting reviews or speculating about appropriate snacks and drinks.

TL;DR

"Talk To Me" offers a terrifying, gritty, and emotionally astute spin on supernatural horror, featuring a tour-de-force performance from Sophie Wilde and striking practical effects. The film’s relentless pace and refusal to provide lighthearted relief set it apart, earning its place at #6 in Amy and TJ's horror hit list. If you want a fresh, intense fright with emotional heft, especially near Halloween, "Talk To Me" shouldn’t be missed—but steel your nerves!