Dead Talents Society

A recently deceased, shy, and reclusive girl discovers that even in the afterlife it is necessary to be popular, influential, and talented. Since she lacked such attributes while living, it is like a second death sentence to try to prove herself again. Fortunately, there are other misfit ghosts who sympathize with the girl and are willing to help. The girl needs a license to scare people and her new friends vow to get her one. But there is competition. A gang of rising stars in the underworld challenges the girl. Shock and mayhem ensue as the ghost gangs battle to see who is the scariest.

This thoughtful and insightful film surprised me with depth, warmth, and genuine humor that I did not expect from this midnight madness genre. There is sympathy for a gentle, kind, and good girl who just wishes to be seen and known.

The director and leading actors were present for this world premiere screening at the Toronto International Film Festival. Hsu's own father encouraged him to be well known, as the main character in the film struggles to accomplish. The film is based on actual urban legends from Taiwan. While the rapid-fire Mandarin is difficult to keep up with at times, it is still preferable to listening to a dubbed version.

It's a really touchy story about a girl who doesn't know what it means to be seen until she literally becomes invisible.

Yes, it's as if Tim Burton made Squid Games - a yearly undead competition reality show about who is the best urban legend apparition to haunted the world's lamest paranormal investigators. And much like the human "reality" side, the afterlife flipside is just as much staged egomaniacal drama.

The reigning queen Catherine is aging out of competition and losing in popularity to upstart ingenue Jessica. Until Catherine reluctantly takes an even younger protege under her wing hoping to beat Jessica for the youth vote.

What ensues is frenetic dark comedy with a lot of soul as we learn how death is just a part of everyone's story - not the end of it.

It took me a while to finish watching it and to fully appreciate it. But it has great characters, gruesome setups, a fun score (especially Makoto) and something interested to say about newfound families and risk-tasking.

For the first time in my life, I don't know how to review a movie. I don't know how to put into words how that movie made me feel. Still, I'll try my best.

First, the movie is about a girl who just died and went to the afterlife. She explores the society of the Dead Talents and tries to find a way to fit in. That's a journey we all take in our own lives every day. Who we are and how we fit into society define who we become. This move explains it all rather perfectly.

The acting is incredible. The actors all have wide ranges, and they all play them perfectly.

This is not a horror movie. I laughed my lungs out and then cried my eyes out. The emotional rollercoaster was a fun journey.

To whomever came up with making this movie, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

In the whimsical realm of the afterlife depicted in "Dead Talents Society," deceased individuals must prove their worthiness of becoming bona fide ghosts by mastering the art of scaring the living. Our protagonist, a timid and recently departed young woman, navigates this peculiar underworld, initially struggling to find her footing in the competitive ghost scene.

Through unexpected friendships with fellow misfit haunters, she discovers the power of camaraderie and unconventional talent. Guided by a charismatic ghost agent and an aging diva with a penchant for the dramatic, our protagonist learns to embrace her unique abilities, transforming from a mere spectator to a formidable performer in the afterlife.

As the stakes rise in a series of ghostly auditions and competitions, the film explores themes of self-discovery, the importance of embracing one's individuality, and the enduring power of friendship. With a healthy dose of humor and heartwarming moments, "Dead Talents Society" offers a refreshing perspective on the afterlife, where even in death, the pursuit of talent and recognition remains a driving force.

No pun intended - the movie is really funny. If you believe that there might be something after we die ... well the movie might be a ray of sunshine ... of sorts! Because of course it is not all roses and fun stuff. Actually it looks like even after death one has to prove oneself to say the least ... while it seems like fun stuff to do, I am not sure how many would want to be working so long after they are gone.

Many funny ideas, but also as crazy and out there as it is: predictable! If you have a weird mind perhaps, but still, I was able to guess where this was going to go. That said, it still is a lot of fun to watch. Acting is good all things considered - which includes a lot of silliness.