A captivating and quietly shocking Australian horror feature that goes against genre type in the building of character within a group of teenagers.
Still coming to terms with the loss of her mother, Mia (Sophie Wilde) reluctantly attends a small party with best friend Jade (Alexandra Jensen). Jade’s younger brother Riley (Joe Bird) to whom Mia has a close affinity tags along. Turns out the party is a form of seance – Hayley (Zoe Terakes) has come into possession of an embalmed hand from which spirits can be conjured. The gang are hooked – and Mia looks to talk to her mom. But she goes too far, allows Jade to have a go – and unleashes terrifying, uncontrollable forces.
Directors Danny and Michael Philippou, twin brothers, expertly ramp the tension and existential dread. As the families of the teenagers attempt to deal with the consequences, Mia’s addiction to the need to know answers from her mother grows. The moments of horror, though brief, are deeply shocking, adding to the sinister complexities of the unfolding narrative.
Winner of 8 AACTA Awards in 2023 including best film, director, actress and script
Rating: 76%
Director: Danny Philippou (TV’s RackaRacka) Michael Philippou (TV’s RackaRacka)
Writer: Danny Philippou (TV’s RackaRacka), Bill Hinzman
Main cast: Sophie Wilde (The Portable Door, TV’s Boy Swallows Universe), Alexandra Jensen (The Moogai, TV’s The Messenger), Miranda Otto (The Daughter, War of the Worlds)
An Opinion or Two 