Photo: A24
REVIEW: Bring Her Back - A Visceral, Emotionally Charged Horror Triumph from the Philippou Brothers
From the visionary minds that brought us the unsettling thrills of Talk to Me, Danny and Michael Philippou have returned with Bring Her Back, a film that solidifies their place as true innovators in modern horror. This A24 production, starring the phenomenal Sally Hawkins, is a masterclass in tension, character and the darkest depths of human grief.
While Bring Her Back trades some of the immediate, adrenaline-fueled jump scares of its predecessor for a more deliberate and deeply unsettling slow burn, it loses absolutely none of its impact. The Philippou Brothers expertly weave a narrative that explores the raw, consuming power of loss and how far one might go to reclaim what's been tragically taken from them. This isn't just a horror film - it's a profound exploration of pain, driven by an unhinged, yet tragically compelling performance from Sally Hawkins. She is simply mesmerizing as Laura, a foster mother whose eccentricity hides terrifying secrets, delivering a career-best turn that will haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll.
Photo: A24
The young cast, particularly Billy Barratt and first timer Sora Wong as the newly orphaned siblings, ground the film with a heartbreaking authenticity. Their performances are ultimately the emotional anchors, drawing you into their world and making every escalating terror resonate deeply. The Philippou Brothers demonstrate an incredible ability to craft characters you genuinely care about, amplifying the dread as their world unravels.
Photo: A24
Bring Her Back is visually stunning with every frame meticulously crafted to create an atmosphere of creeping unease. The practical effects, a hallmark of the brothers' work, are once again disturbingly effective, lending a visceral weight to the horrors on screen. There was one scene I literally closed my eyes and covered my ears for. But beyond the expertly executed scares, the film excels in its thematic depth, delving into the psychological toll of trauma and the dangerous allure of defying the inevitable. At it's heart, this movie is a drama about horrific things.
In a landscape often saturated with jump scares (which I'm not complaining about), Bring Her Back dares to be something more: a profoundly human story wrapped in a chilling package. It's a bold, uncompromising, and ultimately unforgettable cinematic experience that confirms the Philippou brothers are not just a one-hit wonder, but a formidable force shaping the future of horror. Prepare to be unnerved, moved, and utterly captivated by this exceptional film.
Bring Her Back is out now. Check out my interview with the Philippou Brothers on Pop Culture Weekly.
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