I haven't seen it but was thinking about going. It's not playing at my normal theater so I would have to go further out if I want to see it. Any thoughts? Is it worth extra effort to see it in theaters?
Definitely worth going to see. We are so used to cheap jump scares these days that's refreshing to see a film that doesn't rely on them so much (it does have some sudden nasty moments though) instead building a creepy premie with it's own set of rules that, obviously, spins out of control. It relies heavily on a young cast and they all do a top-notch job. 8/10 (so yes, the IMDb rating is about right).
It's not that it doesn't use old techniques, it is more that it bucks the trend you see in modern movies for cheap, unearned jump scares: it's a monster! Nope it's a cat. Monster!! No it's the little brother playing a prank.
I don't think it breaks new ground but it does the job very effectively and all the scares are earned. At least in my opinion.
Compared to Insidious (which was mostly an unfun slog full of unearned jumpscares), Talk to Me was quite a bit more enjoyable. The terrific acting, different-yet-familiar premise, interesting climactic curveball, and the greusome/unsettling moments dotted throughout all made it a great watch. There was not a single point at which I thought the story was dragging, and there were even a few people in the theatre on the edge of their seats at times. I definitely had to look away during one particular scene that got really in-your-face, if you will.