The Philippou brothers — yeah, the same ones who made Talk to Me — are back, and they’re not holding anything back with their new film Bring Her Back. This one’s not your usual horror flick. It's the kind of story that feels like a slow, dark fever dream that creeps up on you and then never quite lets go. Honestly, it doesn’t even try to explain everything, and maybe that’s why it hits so hard. Some parts feel totally unhinged — but weirdly, it works.
A Family Torn Apart, Then Things Get Even Worse
The movie kicks off with a punch — a dad dies suddenly, and his teenage son Andy and younger sister Piper are left trying to figure out what’s next. Piper’s blind, by the way, and Andy’s just a few months away from being old enough to care for her himself. But rules are rules, so they get put in foster care. That’s where things take a turn. They’re sent to live with Laura — played by Sally Hawkins — and she’s got this weird mix of cheerful and creepy that just never sits right.
At first, Laura seems maybe just a little off. But the more time you spend in that house, the more it starts to feel wrong. She’s not just quirky or lonely — she’s something else entirely. And the way Hawkins plays her? Honestly, it’s both impressive and terrifying.
It’s Less About What’s Happening and More About How It Feels
What really sets Bring Her Back apart is how it doesn’t really try to explain everything. There’s all this strange stuff — like home videos of cult rituals, bits of witchcraft, even scenes that feel like they’re from a dream or some nightmare you can’t wake up from. You keep thinking, “Wait, what does that mean?” but the movie doesn’t stop to explain. It just keeps going, and you sort of have to go with it.
And even though none of it makes much sense on paper, it hits hard emotionally. There’s this deep sense of dread that builds — like something awful is always just around the corner, and no one’s safe. It’s not the kind of horror that jumps out and yells “boo,” it’s more like something dark that just wraps itself around you.
The Performances Make It All Feel Real
One of the reasons the movie works so well — even with all the chaos — is because the actors really ground it. Billy Barratt, who plays Andy, totally nails it. You can feel how hard he’s trying to stay strong for his sister, but also how scared and overwhelmed he is. It’s raw in a way that feels real.
And Sora Wong as Piper? She’s incredible. She doesn’t say a ton, but every little thing she does matters. Since she’s actually blind in real life, there’s this added layer of honesty to the role. You want to protect her, and that makes everything scarier.
As for Sally Hawkins — wow. She’s been great in a bunch of stuff before, but this role? It’s on another level. She makes Laura one of those characters you can’t stop watching, even when you kind of want to look away.
It's Messy, Intense, and Definitely Not for Everyone
Here’s the thing — Bring Her Back isn’t going to be for everyone. Some people are going to watch it and be like, “What did I just see?” because it’s wild, it’s gory, and honestly, it doesn’t really give you many answers. But if you like horror that doesn’t follow a clear formula and just goes for the gut, this one’s going to stay with you.
It’s more about feeling unsettled than being shocked. The real horror isn’t just in the creepy rituals or the blood — it’s in the loss, the loneliness, and how unsafe the world can feel when no one’s looking out for you. That’s what really lingers.
