There’s an old Hollywood adage… “make it the same but different.”
Dead Talents Society does just that and it does it brilliantly. The film merges horror movie tropes, reality TV, award show drama, and YouTube culture into a giant ball of imaginative narrative set in the afterlife.
This film not only pays homage to its influences but also redefines them in a fresh and wildly entertaining way.
In Dead Talents Society, being dead is no picnic. Ghosts must compete to be scary or risk permanent disintegration, with the most successful gaining celebrity status and competing for ghosting awards. This is a shock to our heroine, the Rookie, who learns she must create a haunting persona to earn her license and avoid oblivion. After a disastrous audition, she finds support from a group of spectral misfits led by former pop star Makoto and fading diva Catherine. Together, they strive to scare patrons in a run down hotel and help the Rookie hone her act before a looming deadline.
At the center of this darkly comedic romp is Gingle Wang, whose performance as The Rookie is sad, funny and heartfelt. Wang brings a delightful mix of humor and vulnerability to the character, capturing the audience’s heart from her first scene. Her charm and comic timing serve as the film’s emotional anchor, allowing viewers to fully invest in the quirky world being created around her.
If Gingle Wang brings the heart of the film, then Bo-lin Chen, as Makoto, brings the charm. Makoto embodies a charismatic blend of warmth and humor, serving as both a mentor and a friend to the Rookie. His unwavering belief in her potential fuels her journey, providing the encouragement she desperately needs.
Sandrine Pinna shines as Catherine, delivering a steely yet empathetic performance that adds depth to the ensemble.
And speaking of ensemble, we can’t forget Soso Tseng’s wonderful deadpan performance and the comic relief of the Rookie’s sidekick played by Ching-i Pai.
Directed by John Hsu, Dead Talents Society is a quirky supernatural horror comedy from Taiwan’s vibrant genre scene.
As the film builds toward its climax, audiences are treated to a wildly inventive finale reminiscent of Dodgeball complete with sports-like commentary, where the stakes are both high and hilariously absurd. Dead Talents Society expertly navigates its ambitious premise with sharp wit and heart, leaving audiences both amused and reflective. If you’re looking for a film that is indeed the same but different, look no further than this exhilarating ride through the afterlife.
— Filmmaker Mixer