Australian twins Danny and Michael Philippou, known as RackaRacka on YouTube, are experiencing overwhelming success with their feature film directorial debut, Talk to Me. The horror film was a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, leading to a high seven-figure deal with independent studio A24. Talk to Me follows a group of teens playing a twisted game that involves being possessed by the dead for a limited time. The film showcases the brothers’ energetic and chaotic style. Despite their YouTube fame, the Philippou brothers decided to shoot the film in Australia, drawing inspiration from their own upbringing. The film’s Australian qualities, including the use of local colloquialisms and kangaroo roadkill, have resonated with international audiences. The brothers’ DIY approach and refusal to sign with a studio allowed them to maintain creative control, even with budget constraints. The film’s success has attracted attention from well-known horror directors such as Ari Aster and Jordan Peele. The brothers have been embraced by A24 and its cult following, and they appreciate the studio’s commitment to artistic storytelling. They are grateful for the support of their idols and are excited about directing a live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Despite the whirlwind of attention, the Philippou brothers remain grounded and are continuously learning about the film industry. They describe their journey as a “nonstop dream.”
