Spoiler-Free Review of “Talk to Me” in Theaters: A Freaky and Absorbing Watch!

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“Light the candle to open the door…blow it out to close it…”

Talk to Me released in theaters on July 28th 2023. The supernatural horror film stars Sophie Wilde, Otis Dhanji, Miranda Otto, and Alexandra Jensen. It runs for approximately an hour and thirty-five minutes.

A group of friends discover the thrill of conjuring spirits using an embalmed hand, but they unleash something dangerous in the process.

Here is the trailer:

Talk to Me hooks you from the very start, reminding us that it’s a never a good idea to invite in the dead. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of A24

A disturbing concept executed in a satisfying way.

I’ve seen my fair share of supernatural horror films, but many of them fail to deliver on the sinister premise, relying more on jump scare tactics. Talk to Me stepped away from that and delivered by manifesting real fears. I wouldn’t say that anything was that scary, but the idea behind it was terrifying and I thought that it showcased this in an imaginative way on screen, never letting the audience off the hook.

Sticks the landing!

Everything was building up to the climax of this movie and I was worried that it would take too big of a risk or finish in a safe way, but I was pleasantly surprised by the end result and I thought it brought everything full circle.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of A24

Not a huge fan of our main character…

I understand and accept that we don’t always have to fall in love with our main character. Being flawed and misunderstood makes it more of a real portrayal and the exploration of grief was well done. The actress did a great job, but I just didn’t like Mia’s character.

She made really dumb decisions and continued to do so over and over again…

They added in some layers for her and ties to a family, but she was frustrating to watch and I was a little less invested in her fate because of this. I didn’t really care for the supporting characters either. No one stood out for me.

This may come down to preference, however.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of A24

I’m in!

A satisfying watch that will chill you to the bone.

Talk to Me lives up to the hype and brings the supernatural genre back to life.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Talk to Me in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

THIS COMPETITION IS KILLER…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

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Spoiler-Free Review of “The Clearing” on Hulu: Teresa Palmer stars in a Dark and Disturbing Cult Mystery

*This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!*

“I’m not supposed to be here…”

The Clearing released on Hulu on May 24th 2023 with two episodes available to stream now. There will be eight episodes in total that will air weekly. The Australian crime drama series (loosely based on a real story) stars Teresa Palmer, Miranda Otto, and Guy Pearce. Each episode runs for approximately 47-49 minutes.

A mother must face her troubled past in order to stop a cult from kidnapping innocent children.

Here is the trailer:

The Clearing is eerie and chilling with a talented cast and a layered mystery that pulls you in. Is it worthy of your next watch? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Some solid twists already with a twisted mystery at its core.

I’ve seen my fair share of cult thrillers and mysteries, but this series is already more disturbing to me since it focuses on young children. There have already been a few twists that grabbed my full attention and I’m invested in what happens next. This is not an easy watch at all because of the content, but so far I’ve been given enough pieces of the puzzle to reel me in.

Images courtesy of Hulu

Talented cast.

With Teresa Palmer (A Discovery of Witches), Miranda Otto (Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), and Guy Pearce (Memento) on the same show, it seems like a dream come true and it is for the most part.

Teresa Palmer is always so convincing with her wide eyed stares and emotional reactions. She is very believable in this role and the main reason why I tuned in. Miranda Otto is absolutely CHILLING in her role and I can’t wait to see more.

I’m hoping Guy Pearce gets more of a chance to shine as well.

Either way, this cast is bringing a lot to this series and I’m confident they will continue to do so in the remaining episodes.

The Cons:

Images courtesy of Hulu

Confusing timelines and sluggish pacing.

The transitions between the different timelines are not as seamless as I’d like them to be. Both timelines are interesting enough, but it also seems like this series is trying to stuff in quite a lot, which can be overwhelming at times.

The pacing needs some improvement, but I think that each episode has done enough to bring me in for more. I just want things to speed up a little bit…

As I mentioned earlier, some of these moments can be emotionally triggering and disturbing so please be mindful of that.

So am I in or out?

Images courtesy of Hulu

I’m in about 75 percent…

This series has some serious potential with an unsettling cult mystery at its core, but it needs to pick up the pace and allow its stars to truly shine. I’m intrigued to find out more; however, and I’m willing to stick around for the remaining episodes.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on The Clearing in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

Face your fear…

When former friends, Shay and Adriana team up to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt with a cash prize, they temporarily put their differences aside to outsmart their opponents. However, they soon start to realize that a dangerous threat is playing their own version of the game, stalking them during each hunt.

Winning is now a necessity as their lives are at stake. As old wounds and memories re-surface, Shay and Adriana attempt to unmask the threat before the night is over, but soon learn that Scream Hunt is not done with them just yet…

My young adult horror thriller is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Scream Hunt is available here!

**If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

 

Spoiler-Free Review of “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” Part 4 on Netflix: Ends the Way it Should

**This is a spoiler-free review so feel free to read on!**

“Cheerleader by day…Queen of Hell by night.”

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina part 4 premiered on Netflix on December 31st 2020 with eight final episodes available to stream now. The series stars Kiernan Shipka, Ross Lynch, Lucy Davis, Chance Perdomo, Michelle Gomez, and Miranda Otto. Each episode runs for approximately 55 minutes. 

It was bitter sweet to discover that this would be the final season of the bewitching darker take on Sabrina the Teenage Witch and I was worried that the show would not be able to wrap everything up to our satisfaction. Either way, I knew we would be jam-packed with dark spells, rituals, and sacrifice along the way for Sabrina Spellman and the rest of our beloved characters.

Here is the trailer:

Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Part 4 packs a punch with a dark and twisted new threat on Greendale, but is eight episodes truly enough to give this show a proper conclusion? Let’s find out…

The Pros:

CAOS part 4 1

Image courtesy of Netflix

Darker with sci-fi horror.

While the earlier seasons of CAOS dipped into more of a bubble gum pop type of horror, the final season doesn’t hold anything back. There is more gore and more stomach-turning moments which actually had me cringing on more than one occasion. It helped that we got several well-placed mentions of classic movies like Alien and The Evil Dead thrown in for good measure, but I was pleasantly surprised by this darker turn, which worked in the show’s favor.

CAOS part 4 2

Images courtesy of Netflix

Supporting characters get to shine.

We’ve been getting hints along the way about Rosalind’s potential and we finally devote some time to her character, along with several others. While we couldn’t spend too much time on everyone, I thought that the show made a valiant effort to allow each and every character and every relationship a chance at some type of closure or growth. 

Cameos done to perfection in episode 7.

There will be no spoilers in this review, but I am sure you are already aware of the cameos that will appear in the final season. That being said, I was really happy with episode 7 and I thought that the way everything done was beyond brilliant. They could have easily gone down a cheesier, quicker route and instead they presented us with something truly unique that kept the plot going. 

The Cons:

CAOS part 4 3

Images courtesy of Netflix

Rushed and slightly chaotic.

I get it. There was a lot to cover in just eight episodes, but there was so much overstuffed into this season. I appreciate that the writers were trying to tie up loose ends, but I also thought that some moments of fluff were pointless because the plot was actually really good and captivating on its own.

I also thought that the second half of part 4 was much stronger than the first half.

So am I in or out?

CAOS part 4 4

Images courtesy of Netflix

I’m in!

I am a huge fan of this series and I thought that the writers really tried their best to give this show a proper sendoff. There were moments that had me terrified, laughing, and crying my eyes out, but I am satisfied with the conclusion and after so many letdowns this past year from series finales, CAOS earned my respect by sticking to a proper conclusion.

I hope you enjoyed the review and feel free to post your own thoughts and theories on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (part 4) in the comments section below. Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

DON’T TAKE THE JOB…

Girl Number Thirteen Lurking Promo

It was only supposed to be temporary…but when Olivia Crewe accepts a new position that seems too good to be true, she soon discovers that twelve other girls previously had the same job as her. Only none of them lasted for more than thirty days. No notice. Nothing…right before they mysteriously disappeared without a trace.

My new supernatural thriller Girl Number Thirteen is out now! I hope you enjoy!

Girl Number Thirteen is available here!

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5 Spoiler Free Reasons why you should watch “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” on Netflix: A Binge-Worthy Treat That Is Everything You Crave”

“What’s the point of being a witch if I can’t help the ones I love?”  An excellent question for sure, as half-mortal Sabrina Spellman learns that being a witch is not all fun and games.  If you had the choice to be a witch or a mortal, what would you choose?  Would you continue on your normal path or would you choose the path of night?  The Netflix series is based on the Archie Comics series, which was also the inspiration for the sitcom, Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-2003).  While the sitcom was a fun and lighter take on Sabrina’s adventures, the Netflix series is a much darker approach.  The show features 10 episodes and they are all currently streaming on Netflix as of October 26th 2018.  After watching all of the episodes in one weekend, I can tell you that I absolutely adored this series.  Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is the perfect portion of Riverdale bubble gum pop dipped in delicious darkness.  It is absolutely enchanting and I highly recommend it.  Please note that major spoilers have been left out for your convenience.  My top 5 reasons to check out Chilling Adventures of Sabrina are: 

5

This show tackles real issues. 

Welcome to Greendale.  While the town is known for its spooky and Halloween-like atmosphere, it is also near Riverdale and it should be noted that these two series do connect.  If you are a Riverdale fan like me, you will be pleasantly surprised with a few mentions and connections along the way.  Even though the town has a lot of dark and mystical things going on, the series also sheds some light on some important issues.  Sabrina and her friends witness and deal with sexual harassment and bullying, reminding us that there are some real life horrors happening along with the supernatural ones.  The show does a good job of making us aware of these important issues and promoting female empowerment, while seamlessly continuing on with the plot.

4

The supporting characters.

It is sometimes difficult for the supporting cast to step into the spotlight, especially when there is a strong lead capturing our attention.  However, I was delighted by a lot of the supporting cast.  I give standout performances to Lucy Davis (Hilda Spellman), Chance Perdomo (Ambrose Spellman), Tati Gabrielle (Prudence), Michelle Gomez (Miss Wardwell), and Miranda Otto (Zelda Spellman).  These characters all complimented Sabrina so well and I could really see a true connection among the Spellman family.  You will be delighted by all of them.

3

Episodes 5, 8, and 9.

While all of the episodes were fast paced and fun, these three were on a completely different level.  I will not spoil anything for you, but I would definitely recommend giving these three episodes your undivided attention.  Episode 5 provided me with some Buffy the Vampire Slayer nostalgia and episodes 8 and 9 were shocking and dark, pulling the story in a twisted direction and further developing the character of Sabrina.  These episodes are not predictable and they will have you on the edge of your seat.  Enjoy the ride!

2

Sabrina Spellman.

Played by Kiernan Shipka, Sabrina is a strong female protagonist who you can truly root for.  Kiernan is absolutely enchanting and she really captured the essence of the character.  Sabrina makes mistakes along the way, but that is part of her charm.  She’s flawed, but she has so much inner strength and loyalty to her friends and family.  Sabrina always tries to do what is right to protect the ones she loves.  She sort of reminds me of a mix between Riverdale’s Betty Cooper and Harry Potter’s Hermione Granger.  She is a fast learner and is willing to go against authority to try and keep her moral compass intact.  Sabrina is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in and she is constantly challenging everyone, reminding us that she is not just a powerful witch, but a powerful and amazing woman.

1

A worthy series about witches.

It’s not always easy to provide the audience with a true representation of witchcraft.  There is always the allure of having magical powers and casting spells, but there needs to be a balance as well.  Shows like Charmed and American Horror Story:  Coven were able to capture this along with movies like The Craft.  Chilling Adventures of Sabrina tackles everything from truth spells to resurrection ones and reminds us about “personal gain” and real consequences.  While it may seem glamorous to be a witch, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina reminds us that it’s not always this simple.  Sabrina is trying to find her own identity as a person, but also has to deal with making a choice between her mortal life and her destiny to become a witch.  It’s a decision that weighs on Sabrina for quite some time and she begins to understand that magic cannot always solve everything.  While the show will provide you with some fun magical moments, it also reveals the darkness and sacrifice that comes with it.  Overall, I was truly impressed with this show and I cannot wait until season 2.  I absolutely recommend this spellbinding series to everyone.  Ready to watch?

I hope you enjoyed the list and feel free to post your own theories and thoughts on Chilling Adventures of Sabrina in the comments section below.  Thanks so much for reading and happy viewing!

**I would love it if you would take a moment to check out my Whizbuzz Book page via the link below for everything you need to know about my new book, The Search for Alice, including my author bio page and links to my website and social media sites!  Thank you!

My Whizbuzz Book Page

Stay up to date on upcoming premieres of horror TV series @ 12nightsofhorror.com/horror-series-coming-soon

Best,

Amy Koto, TV Fanatic Girl

@TV_Fanatic_Girl

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If you enjoyed this blog, I would love it if you would click the follow button on your way out to subscribe.  Thanks for your support!

I am so excited to announce that my book, The Search for Alice, is now available!  If you enjoy fairy-tale retellings, paranormal romance, horror, and mystery, then this might be the book for you or someone you know!  Thank you for taking the time to check it out and I appreciate any feedback as well.  I hope you enjoy!

When Kallie Bennett, a jaded teenage girl plagued by her alcoholic mother and her peers molded out of sheer bubble gum perfection, chases after Alice in Wonderland herself, she ends up lost in her own version of Wonderland, which forces her to face her utmost fears and introduces her to familiar characters with a dark twist. Among these characters is Ches, a gorgeous vampire with a conflicted conscience, who becomes Kallie’s guide and blossoming love interest. She also crosses paths with Queen Hartley, a manipulative witch who has the power to strip away one’s memories and imagination, which brings a bone chilling new meaning to “off with their heads.” In The Search for Alice, Kallie starts to realize that her Wonderland is just as frightening as her own reality and that she cannot always run away from her problems. She must figure out a way to defeat Queen Hartley and return home before it is too late, but she soon learns that escaping Wonderland means leaving Ches behind forever.

Want to read more?  You can click the link directly below for a free preview.  Thanks for your support!

Free Instant Preview of The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice is available here!

The Search for Alice Cover