Source: A24
In the heart of Adelaide, a cinematic - albeit terrifying - tale unfolded as the Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael, transitioned from YouTube sensations into the Hollywood spotlight with their debut horror film, Talk to Me.
Their journey began on their YouTube channel RackaRacka where the brothers amassed over a billion views, showcasing their unique blend of creativity, stunts, and storytelling. Fast forward to today, and the Philippou brothers have made a cinematic leap with Talk to Me. This psychological horror film has not only captured the attention of horror enthusiasts but has also propelled Adelaide once again – ideally, permanently – into the global film industry spotlight.
Talk to Me brought a unique narrative to life as friends discover the thrill of conjuring spirits using an embalmed hand. The story takes a dark turn (no spoilers), forcing the story's main character, "Mia", to confront a chilling choice: trust the living... or the dead. Set against Adelaide's historic streets and neighbourhoods, the film utilised the city's suburban charm to set the scene for this now blockbuster hit.
Once overshadowed by larger counterparts, Adelaide's film scene is now carving its niche, and Talk to Me is at the forefront of this cinematic renaissance. The South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) Studios in Glenside has become a creative playground, providing cutting-edge facilities and fostering collaboration among local and international filmmakers.
Talk to Me made an impressive debut across 2,340 American cinemas, doubling its predicted earnings to $10 million in the opening weekend. This surprise hit, exceeded expectations and is now positioned to challenge the status quo. In the US box office, the film trailed behind only established franchises, which included the blockbuster releases of Barbie and Oppenheimer the same week; a remarkable feat for an independent Australian production.
Unlike blockbuster films with Hollywood's massive publicity machinery backing them, Talk to Me gained popularity through positive reviews and word-of-mouth. The Philippou brothers' commitment to authenticity and their roots in Adelaide played a crucial role in the film's success. In the words of Danny Philippou, "Here in Australia, you don't have [Hollywood's backing]; it's a different culture. Everyone is at face value; you can trust it more".
Michael Philippou (left) Danny Philippou (right) Source: IMDB
Adelaide's film industry is about individual success stories and a collective effort to foster a thriving local ecosystem. With support from the Adelaide Film Festival, the South Australian Film Corporation, and production company Causeway Films, the Philippou brothers filmed Talk to Me in their hometown, showcasing the scenery and production value that Adelaide and its local surroundings have to offer.
The success of Talk to Me is not an isolated incident in Adelaide's film narrative. Numerous films have contributed to the city's burgeoning reputation, with several currently in plans and production. The local industry's diverse offerings, from thrillers such as Gold with Zac Efron, shot around the Australian outback, highlight the multifaceted appeal of Adelaide's landscapes. We all remember when Daniel Radcliffe frequented Next Generation Gym for Escape to Pretoria, and we want more.
Talk to Me isn't a standalone success; it's paving the way for more. Plans for a sequel, aptly named "Talk 2 Me", have been confirmed by A24 and Causeway Films, solidifying the Philippou brothers' position as critical players in Adelaide's growing film scene.
As Hollywood continues to recognise the untapped potential of Adelaide, the city's diverse landscapes, talented filmmakers, and state-of-the-art facilities position it as a rising star in the global film industry. From YouTube stardom to Hollywood heights, the Philippou brothers' journey is not just their success but a testament to Adelaide's cinematic ascent. As the credits rolled for Talk to Me, it marked not just the end of a film, but the beginning of a new chapter for Adelaide's film industry, a chapter filled with potential, creativity, and the promise of more stories waiting to be told on the big screen.
Talk to Me is currently available to stream on Netflix! A must-watch for horror fans. Warning: gore, paranormal and emotional distress may ensue.