‘Bring Her Back’ Review: Sally Hawkins Is a Haunted Mother in Philippou Brothers’ Disturbing and Melancholic Follow-Up to ‘Talk to Me’

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In the movie “Bring Her Back,” the intense sorrow is portrayed with raw intensity. At the onset of this chilling second film by Australian directors Danny and Michael Philippou, Andy (played by Billy Barratt) and his sister Piper (Sora Wong) discover their father on the bathroom floor. His body, battered from a fall and wet from the running shower, leaves an indelible mark on their memories. And his death, as swift and painful as it was, triggers a chain of eerie occurrences.

In their first film “Talk to Me”, the Philippou brothers powerfully depicted the intense feeling of interacting with the supernatural. They portrayed communicating with the spirit realm as an irresistible thrill, and vividly illustrated the dangers of teenage apathy as bored teens push boundaries while experimenting with a possessed artifact. As the characters in “Talk to Me” spent more time near the haunted statue of a hand, the movie unfolded into a chilling story about a young woman’s grief over her deceased mother. With an outstanding lead performance, unsettling audio design, and convincing practical effects, “Talk to Me” solidified the duo as strong newcomers in the horror genre.

In the movie “Bring Her Back,” the directors delve into how losing someone changes a person’s existence, leading them to act in ways that are not only puzzling but also almost inconceivable. The film progresses slowly and at its best, serves as a chilling examination of grief. Bill Hinzman and the Philippous collaborated on the screenplay, focusing less on contrasting good and evil and more on understanding what motivates people to act maliciously. The directors reunite with Emma Bortignon to create a rich soundtrack that amplifies the movie’s sense of foreboding, similar to their work in “Talk to Me.” Additionally, they draw powerful performances from relatively inexperienced actors and collaborate with top-notch makeup and VFX teams to construct harrowing and unique scenes filled with intense body horror.

Following the demise of their father, Andy and Piper find themselves under the care of Laura (Sally Hawkins), a former social worker known for her unique character. Initially, it seems odd as Laura initially expressed interest in only adopting Piper, who resembles her late blind daughter due to her vision impairment. However, Piper insists on staying with her older brother Andy. As Andy approaches his eighteenth birthday, he intends to become Piper’s legal guardian. With some tactful maneuvering, their case worker Wendy (Sally-Anne Upton) persuades Laura to take both siblings under her wing.

Upon reaching Laura’s wooden cabin hidden within the woods, Andy notices some peculiarities immediately. The first oddity is the presence of a young lad named Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), who appears pale, quiet, and bald with large eyes. Laura explains his silence as a form of muteness, but Andy remains doubtful. His suspicions deepen when Laura shares that Oliver has a head full of thick red hair, which is contradictory given his supposed baldness to Piper, who can only perceive shapes and light due to her visual impairment.

The peculiar nature of their makeshift family is further complicated when Laura attempts to undermine Andy’s efforts to gain custody of Piper. She manipulates him into confiding in her, only to exploit his trust by revealing his secrets. Meanwhile, Andy is tormented by recollections of his father’s remains and this fear compels him to confront difficult truths about his own past.

As a fan, I found “Bring Her Back” less about sudden jumps and more about an eerie, unsettling vibe that lingered throughout the movie. From the get-go, when Laura stepped onto the screen, there was something off about her seemingly cheerful persona. Collaborating with cinematographer Aaron McLiskey, Philippous skillfully portrayed the chilling intensity in Laura’s gaze towards Piper and the dark manner she treated Oliver – from denying meals to confining him in a room when she left home. It was later revealed that all these actions were part of a ritual meant to resurrect her deceased daughter, Cathy (Mischa Heywood in flashbacks). Both Piper and Oliver were reluctant participants, while Andy, who sensed Laura’s intentions, was becoming an obstacle.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but appreciate “Bring Her Back” for its deeply immersive experience. The film masterfully taps into the raw, emotional depth of grief, and every element, from the haunting sound design to the haunting score, contributes to this tense atmosphere. They skillfully create chilling scenes (the special effects makeup is by Make-up Effects Group and Scarecrew Studios) that delve into psychological and bodily horror. A particularly unforgettable scene showcases a character biting into a knife, causing their gums to split.

In the gaming world, I’d say, “The performances truly amplify the eerie vibe of ‘Bring Her Back’. From Hawkins’ heart-wrenching portrayal of a man torn apart by grief, to Wren Phillips’ captivating portrayal as Oliver, they really nail it. The chemistry between Barratt and Wong feels authentic and sibling-like, making their bond something I found myself easily rooting for.

It’s no wonder that the movie “Bring Her Back” was produced around the same period as “Talk to Me“. The storyline sometimes mirrors the same meandering narrative issues found in their initial work, particularly when Laura takes charge of her plan. However, despite these similarities and occasional plot deviations, “Bring Her Back ” leaves a profound impact that lingers long after the ending credits, due to its emotional resonance.

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2025-05-16 16:24