If you were captivated by Talk to Me (2023), a supernatural horror film that weaves a gripping story of spirits, possession, and teenagers dabbling with forces beyond their control, you’re likely craving more films that offer similar thrills. Combining tension, eerie atmospheres, and dark explorations of the supernatural, Talk to Me stands out for its original twist on classic horror themes. Fortunately, there are plenty of other films that explore these themes and deliver similar chills. Here’s a breakdown of movies that share the haunting intensity, eerie atmosphere, and psychological depth that Talk to Me brings to the screen.
1. The Babadook (2014)
If the tension and psychological horror of Talk to Me gripped you, then The Babadook is a must-watch. Directed by Jennifer Kent, this Australian horror film dives deep into the emotional struggles of a grieving mother and her troubled son. The film’s central supernatural element—an eerie children’s book about a sinister figure named the Babadook—takes a backseat to its exploration of grief, trauma, and fear. Just like Talk to Me, The Babadook isn’t about cheap jump scares; it’s about psychological tension and slow-building dread. Both films cleverly use horror as a metaphor for deeper emotional pain.
2. Hereditary (2018)
Ari Aster’s Hereditary is another film that fans of Talk to Me will appreciate, especially if you’re drawn to slow-burn horror that unravels layer by layer. This critically acclaimed movie tells the story of a family plagued by tragedy and supernatural forces after the death of the matriarch. Hereditary is filled with the same kind of unsettling atmosphere as Talk to Me, where the horror builds not just from external threats but from internal psychological disintegration. The film’s portrayal of grief and loss, coupled with terrifying occult elements, make it an unforgettable and disturbing watch.
3. The Witch (2015)
Another slow-burn horror that delivers psychological tension, The Witch is a period piece set in 1630s New England. Directed by Robert Eggers, this film takes viewers into a world of religious paranoia, isolation, and the dark mysteries of the woods. Like Talk to Me, The Witch relies on mood, atmosphere, and a creeping sense of dread rather than explicit gore or constant jump scares. The film’s ambiguity—leaving viewers wondering whether the supernatural events are real or manifestations of psychological stress—echoes the tension in Talk to Me.
4. It Follows (2014)
David Robert Mitchell’s It Follows offers a unique premise that, like Talk to Me, combines the supernatural with modern-day settings. The plot centers around a curse transmitted through sexual contact, with the victim being followed by a shape-shifting entity until the curse is passed on. Much like Talk to Me’s haunted hand that allows people to communicate with the dead, It Follows uses a physical object to symbolize the danger. The sense of doom and inescapability, along with the way both films blend teenage life with supernatural horror, makes It Follows an excellent recommendation.
5. The Ring (2002)
If you’re looking for something more mainstream but equally eerie, The Ring, directed by Gore Verbinski, is a classic in the supernatural horror genre. Adapted from the Japanese film Ringu, the plot revolves around a cursed videotape that kills anyone who watches it within seven days. Like Talk to Me, The Ring plays with the idea of forbidden knowledge and the consequences of tampering with supernatural forces. Both films also use a macabre object as the source of the supernatural threat. The gradual unfolding of terror and the mystery surrounding the curse creates a slow, suffocating sense of dread.
6. The Others (2001)
For those who appreciated the more subtle and mysterious elements of Talk to Me, The Others is a classic supernatural thriller that is heavy on atmosphere. Starring Nicole Kidman, the film is set in a haunted house where strange occurrences hint at something otherworldly lurking within. The twisty narrative and exploration of grief, guilt, and the afterlife parallel some of the themes in Talk to Me. What sets The Others apart is its gothic aesthetic and the way it builds suspense through suggestion, much like Talk to Me does with its unsettling use of the supernatural.
7. The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
If you enjoyed the chilling mystery elements of Talk to Me, The Autopsy of Jane Doe is an ideal follow-up. Directed by André Øvredal, this film revolves around two coroners who encounter strange and terrifying phenomena while performing an autopsy on an unidentified young woman. As they delve deeper into the cause of death, they uncover dark, supernatural secrets. Both films tap into the unknown and the dangers of meddling with forces beyond comprehension, while also maintaining a claustrophobic sense of suspense and terror.
8. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)
As Talk to Me deals with possession and spiritual entities, Ouija: Origin of Evil offers a similarly frightening exploration of what happens when humans unwisely communicate with the dead. Directed by Mike Flanagan, this film is a prequel to the original Ouija movie and centers on a family who unwittingly invites an evil spirit into their home. Both films blend supernatural horror with elements of human drama, and they each raise questions about the unseen dangers that come with contacting the other side.
Conclusion
Movies like Talk to Me often delve into dark and unsettling realms, exploring the consequences of tampering with forces beyond our understanding. Whether it’s the psychological horror of The Babadook, the supernatural dread of The Ring, or the slow-burn terror of The Witch, these films all tap into a similar vein of fear, tension, and supernatural mystery. Each one of these movies, in its own way, will leave you questioning what lies beyond the veil of reality and what happens when we dare to peek through.