Danny and Michael Philippou started their careers both in front of and behind the camera on a YouTube channel, but they’ve since worked with A24 to create two of the best horror films in recent memory. Now, they’ve caught the eye of another talent, New Zealand singer-songwriter BENEE.
In an interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, the artist said, “I want to be in a horror movie. You know the guys who did ‘Talk to Me’ and ‘Bring Her Back’? I want them to put me in one of their films.”
BENEE has already made her screen debut in “Head South,” a comedy drama set in New Zealand’s 1970s post-punk scene, but she has an enthusiastic eye set on a role that will either involve a lot of screaming or gore, if the directing pair’s past work is anything to go by.
The Philippou brothers, known as RackaRacka on YouTube, exploded into filmmaking with their 2022 debut “Talk to Me.” Created and set in Adelaide, the film follows a group of teenagers doing what teenagers do best, partying, but also microdosing in possessions from the deceased via an embalmed hand. Things do not go well.
And in 2025, the duo proved they weren’t a one-trick pony with “Bring Her Back,” another Adelaide-filmed project set around possession, this time starring Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water”) as a counsellor turned foster parent with occult intentions for her newly orphaned young charges.
No wonder, then, that BENEE wants to work with them and strike while the iron is hot, maybe in the highly anticipated sequel to their debut, “Talk 2 Me.”
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Discussing her new album with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, BENEE described it as her most personal work yet: “I’ve poured my whole heart into this project, and I’m so grateful for your patience. I can’t wait for you to step into this world I’ve built.”
Her debut album “Hey U X,” which featured the platinum hit “Supalonely”, was named to Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s 80 Best New Zealand Albums of the 2020s So Far list. “The whole album’s full of sweet, breezy pop that’s fun and easy to listen to,” the feature noted, adding: “BENEE’s follow-up album is one of the most eagerly anticipated releases in New Zealand music.”
The full interview is set to be released on Rolling Stone AU/NZ later this week.