Talk 2 Me (2025), the highly anticipated sequel to the breakout Australian horror film Talk to Me (2022), delivers a chilling continuation of the supernatural story that left audiences trembling. Directed once again by Danny and Michael Philippou, this follow-up dives deeper into the twisted mythology of the embalmed hand that allows users to communicate with the dead β but at a terrifying cost.
Set one year after the tragic events of the original film, Talk 2 Me follows a new protagonist, 17-year-old Ava, who stumbles upon a second hand β this time originating from a different cultural background, hinting at a global network of occult artifacts. With Miaβs fate left ambiguous in the first film, the sequel confirms she is trapped in the spirit realm, watching helplessly as new victims fall prey to the same deadly game.
The film expands the lore, revealing that multiple hands exist, each bound to specific spirits with their own sinister agendas. Unlike its predecessor, which focused on grief and guilt, Talk 2 Me delves into themes of addiction, identity, and the blurred line between reality and possession. Avaβs journey becomes increasingly desperate as her attempts to contact her deceased mother spiral into psychological and supernatural chaos.
Visually, the film maintains the gritty, intimate horror aesthetic of the original but amplifies the stakes with surreal sequences from the spirit realm, haunting sound design, and more visceral, emotionally charged scares. The directing duo retains their knack for raw, grounded performances, with newcomer Emily Browne delivering a breakout role as Ava. Meanwhile, a surprising cameo from Sophie Wilde as Mia adds emotional weight and continuity to the narrative.
While some may argue that sequels often dilute the original's impact, Talk 2 Me proves to be a rare exception β a sequel that not only honors its predecessor but builds upon it with maturity and ambition. The film ends with a harrowing twist that suggests a third installment might not be far behind.
