SXSW 2023 Movie Reviews: Talk to Me and Flamin’ Hot

As a horror fanatic, the genre has been doing exceptional in the last couple of years with hits like Nope, Terrifier 2, Antlers, The Black Phone, and so much more. As someone who rarely is frightened by horror films because of a lack of a functioning amygdala, Talk to Me was one of the most terrifying horror films I’ve ever seen, thanks to the incredible script and effects by directors Daniel and Michael Philippou.

Mia (Sophie Wilde) and her friends get a hold of an artifact that possesses the power to conjure spirits. Things go horribly wrong that results in a horror experience I’ve never felt or seen before. Talk to Me has horrifying visuals and a wild storyline, never having felt more unsettled by a horror film in a long time. It takes on trauma and connection in an authentic yet horrific way through the film’s exploration of Mia’s past.

The editing and direction is outrageously synchronized to create a seamless tale of horror and connection. The group of teenage characters mirror the reality of teenagers in which their inability to comprehend the magnitude of trauma and hurt in given situations is shown. Some of the most terrifying parts of the movie is watching these characters make such irresponsible decisions but are seen in a way that is realistic in this digital age of sharing. Talk To Me is a film that shows the Philippou brothers as an amazing new force in the horror genre and one that is going to change the horror game.

‘Talk to Me’ Rating – 4.5/5

With movies like Steve Jobs, The Social Network and The Founder figures known to many have had their stories told. However the story of Richard Montañez, the man behind the brilliant idea of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, is one worth telling. A story about love, hustle, and making your community heard, Flamin Hot is a remarkable story incredibly directed by Eva Longoria.

Richard Montañez (Jesse Garcia) is a janitor at Frito Lay with a desire to learn the mechanics of the machines and work his way up. When he feels he has reached a dead end he knows in order to save his family and hardworking people at the company from losing their jobs he must use his creativity to get Frito Lay back into the homes of millions. And he may know just how to do it. Writers Linda Yvette Chávez and Lewis Colick balance comedy and heart seamlessly.

Flamin’ Hot is an inspirational story told about and by a primarily Latino crew that dives into tapping into a market many forget about, which thematically fits in an industry where we still have so much work to do in inclusion. It is clear that there is so much love behind the camera for this story about a man who refuses to stay invisible.

One of the best concepts the film explores is that even with complete faith in yourself, even the strongest of people need support and to be picked up when all seems lost. Annie Gonzalez who plays Judy, Richard’s wife, is a giant force in the film along with Dennis Haysbert who plays a head engineer at Frito Lay. It shows that behind the success of many are individuals who drive them along to reach their potential. There are so many incredible characters in this film that make this true story a charmer.

When asked why this story needed to be told, it is clear that Eva Longoria saw not just the inspirational tale of a strong Mexican man, but his faith in himself and the love he has for his community and roots. Hulu has a crowd pleasing triumphant story on their hands and one that everyone must see when it releases this summer.

‘Flamin’ Hot’ Rating – 4/5

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