When the Dead Won’t Let Go
After the spine-tingling success of Talk to Me (2022), the much-anticipated sequel Talk to Me 2 (2025) dives deeper into the terrifying world of spirit possession and the consequences of meddling with forces beyond our understanding. Directed once again by Danny and Michael Philippou, the sequel returns with a sharper, more intense edge, blending psychological horror with tragic human drama.
The sequel picks up months after the first film’s shocking finale. A new group of teens in suburban Australia discovers another preserved embalmed hand — this time with a darker, more ancient origin. Lured by social media virality and the thrill of danger, they begin hosting possession parties again. But unlike before, the spirits they encounter are no longer playful or teasing — they’re organized, hungry, and angry.
At the center of the chaos is Ava, a quiet but intuitive teenager grieving the recent loss of her twin brother. When she dares to “talk to the dead,” she becomes entangled in a haunting far deeper than the others — forming a terrifying connection to a spirit claiming to be her brother, begging to be let in. But is it really him, or something far worse wearing his face?
Talk to Me 2 excels by pushing the rules established in the first film even further. The 90-second limit is no longer a safeguard — and once the line between spirit and host begins to blur, the characters must confront not only the consequences of inviting the dead in, but also the trauma and guilt they carry in the real world. The sequel explores themes of grief, identity, and the seductive nature of supernatural power.
Visually, the film maintains the kinetic, hyper-real aesthetic of the original but adds more nightmarish sequences, including extended spirit-realm scenes filled with grotesque imagery, flickering lights, and distorted sounds. The tension never lets up, and the possession scenes are more intense and emotionally devastating.
What makes Talk to Me 2 stand out is its refusal to offer easy answers. The line between reality and hallucination becomes thinner, and the audience, like the characters, is forced to question what’s truly happening. The horror is not just in the jump scares or gory visuals, but in the emotional descent of its characters.
This sequel proves that horror franchises can grow without losing their soul. With chilling performances, tight pacing, and a story that expands its mythos while staying deeply personal, Talk to Me 2 is a haunting, unforgettable descent into a world where the dead don’t just speak — they manipulate, seduce, and destroy.
As the final frame fades to black, one question lingers: if you could see someone you lost just one more time… would you still say no?