Bring Her Back Review: A24’s Horror Movie Is Not For The Faint Of Heart

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As a horror enthusiast, I was pleasantly surprised by the unsettling film “Talk to Me” in 2023, directed by the brothers behind the RackaRacka YouTube channel. Despite the fact that YouTubers transitioning to movies often don’t have the best track record, this movie stood out. Although it may not have been the most thematically consistent of the recent grief-themed horror films, it was undeniably original, full of energy, and absolutely terrifying – the kind of horror that leaves you feeling uneasy even after leaving the theater. Instead of capitalizing on their unexpected success with “Talk 2 Me,” the Philippou brothers are following up their debut with another chilling original titled “Bring Her Back.” Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman wrote both “Talk to Me” and “Bring Her Back” simultaneously.

In terms of filmmaking, “Bring Her Back” builds upon its predecessor in numerous aspects; however, whether it surpasses it as an entertaining piece might spark debate among viewers. The narrative is deliberate and profound, echoing themes found in “Talk to Me,” but delving deeper into them. It showcases the talents of the Philippou brothers and casting director Nikki Barrett for uncovering promising young acting talent, while also offering Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins an engaging opportunity to play a captivating villain.

The standout aspects of ‘Bring Her Back’ are its extreme levels of violence and psychological distress, surpassing even ‘Talk to Me’. This movie is incredibly disturbing and messed up – I found myself laughing at the gore in ‘The Substance’, and even the chilling suspense of ‘Longlegs’ brought a smile to my face. However, ‘Bring Her Back’ truly unnerved me. Whether this makes you eager to watch it or determined to avoid it is up to you.

Sally Hawkins gets to gaslight gatekeep girlboss

Following the demise of their father (Stephen Phillips), 17-year-old Andy (Billy Barratt) seeks permission to become guardian for his 12-year-old visually impaired half-sister Piper (Sora Wong). Unfortunately, before Andy turns 18, the siblings are placed in the temporary care of Laura (Sally Hawkins), a social worker still grieving her daughter Cathy (Mischa Heywood) and also caring for a speechless, traumatized boy named Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips). The house is designed to accommodate Piper’s needs, as Cathy was also blind, but Laura’s immediate concern for Piper due to their shared condition and indifference towards Andy creates an unsettling atmosphere.

In a manipulative manner, Laura deceives Andy, making him seem unfit for guardianship. She restricts Oliver, not letting him leave the boundary around her property that eerily resembles cult ritual symbols. Despite her questionable behavior, she is a well-respected professional, making it difficult for others to believe she’s mistreating the children under her care. Although her actions stem from grief, they become more distressing as we witness how far she’ll go to achieve her objectives. In stark contrast to the loving mother she portrayed in the initial “Paddington” films, this actress delivers a chilling performance as the cold-hearted villain exploiting others’ suffering for personal gain.

As a gamer, I’ve got to say that the bond between Andy and Piper is what truly makes “Bring Her Back” resonate – it adds depth and amplifies the heart-wrenching emotions. When it comes to describing my sister, I often find myself sugarcoating things to present a more positive image. Piper, however, has a knack for seeing through my daily fabrications.

But there are deeper secrets that Andy’s been hiding, ones meant to shield and protect Piper. These secrets slowly come to light following our father’s demise. There were some parallels in the family dynamic between Mia (Sophie Wilde) and her father (Marcus Johnson) from “Talk to Me,” particularly concerning the death of her mother (Miranda Otto). However, I found the family secrets arc in this story less predictable and more emotionally impactful.

Overwhelmingly bleak and brutal

Excessively endangering children can stir intense emotions, and the film “Bring Her Back” pushes this boundary to its limits in its climax. Recall the graphic self-harm scene from “Talk to Me?” A kitchen knife scene in “Bring Her Back” surpasses that level of disturbance. The realistic gore effects on child actors make for a profoundly unsettling viewing experience; one can only hope they navigated this production without experiencing trauma.

After viewing a solemn screening of “Bring Her Back”, I had a Q&A session with the Philippou brothers. The transition from the film’s intense seriousness to their lighthearted demeanor was both jarring and comforting. The movie has brief instances of dark humor, which try to soften its heavy tone (although it may seem like all Australians have ADHD due to one scene in this film that reminds me of a joke from “Smiling Friends”). There’s also a party scene involving alcohol, reminiscent of the more enjoyable parts of “Talk to Me”. However, unlike with “Talk to Me”, the despairing ending of this movie dominates any other emotions it may evoke.

I find “Bring Her Back” more distressing than “Talk to Me,” given its theme. Witnessing adults abusing their power is scarier to me than teenage mistakes. However, others’ responses may vary based on their individual sensitivities, so it’s important to approach this movie with caution. Essentially, it’s a chilling horror film of the summer – whether you consider that a recommendation or a warning is up to you.

“Bring Her Back” opens in theaters on May 30.

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2025-05-16 16:00