Bring Her Back Review: Sally Hawkins Shines in a Gripping Thriller

The incredible journey of filmmaking duo Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou, famously known as RackaRacka, is nothing short of inspiring. These talented Australian brothers ignited their passion for stunts, spectacle, and storytelling through engaging videos on platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Their creative endeavors culminated in a stunning feature film debut in 2023 with the spine-chilling Talk to Me. This thrilling horror film not only captivated critics but also left audiences mesmerized, establishing it as a genuine box office triumph. Now, the duo is back with their emotionally charged second feature, Bring Her Back, which promises to delve deeper into the realms of fear and grief.

Similar to their acclaimed Talk to Me, the follow-up film Bring Her Back presents a gripping narrative centered around the themes of grief and loss. This time, the story revolves around a teenage protagonist who is all too acquainted with these heavy themes. Screenwriters Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman, who also penned Talk to Me, skillfully weave together a rich tapestry of empathy, anguish, and body horror elements in Bring Her Back, resulting in a film that is more subdued yet significantly more mature than their previous offering.

However, fans need not worry. With the brilliant Sally Hawkins, a two-time Academy Award nominee, leading the cast, Bring Her Back promises to deliver just as much terror as the Philippou brothers’ inaugural project—if not more. Hawkins’ performance is anticipated to elevate the film’s chilling atmosphere and emotional depth.

Sally Hawkins Delivers a Haunting Performance in Bring Her Back

The talented English actress, known for her roles as a loving mother in Paddington and a compassionate romantic partner to a sea creature in The Shape of Water, plunges into the world of horror with a captivating blend of sincerity and intensity. In Bring Her Back, Hawkins portrays a foster mother to two recently orphaned half-siblings, navigating the complexities of grief and loss in a haunting manner.

Young Piper, played by newcomer Sora Wong, is partially sighted yet fearlessly adventurous, exploring her surroundings with a brave heart. In contrast, her older half-brother Andy, portrayed by Billy Barratt, is more hesitant, likely due to the traumatic event surrounding their father’s demise, which is beyond Piper’s comprehension. This dynamic sets the stage for a gripping exploration of sibling relationships amidst tragedy.

Upon arriving at the welcoming rural cottage of their new foster mom, Laura (Hawkins), the children find her to be a beacon of hope. Much like her character in Happy-Go-Lucky, Laura radiates positivity with her bright attire and warm smile, providing comfort to these frightened children. However, beneath her cheerful exterior lies a profound sorrow, as she grapples with the loss of her daughter just a year prior, showcasing the duality of her character.

In her quest to bury her pain, Laura finds solace in caring for other children in need, including the peculiar Ollie (played by Jonah Wren Phillips), who silently observes his new siblings with an unsettling coldness. The narrative unfolds primarily through Andy’s perspective, allowing viewers to perceive Laura as he does—an ostensibly nurturing figure concealing a darker, more sinister side. Even the skeptical teen cannot fathom the horrors that await him and his siblings under Laura’s roof.

Exploring Grief and Horror: The Unsettling Atmosphere of Bring Her Back

Sora Wong and Billy Barratt co-star in “Bring Her Back.”
Credit: A24

The Philippou brothers draw from their own experiences with grief to explore this complex emotion through horrifying twists, terrifying gore, and an unsettling undercurrent of religious horror. As hinted in the film’s trailer, there are occult elements at play within Laura’s household. In a wise narrative choice reminiscent of Talk to Me, the brothers refrain from over-explaining the supernatural evils that underpin the horror story. Instead, the audience, much like the afflicted teens, experiences the dread and uncertainty of the situation firsthand. It encapsulates that chilling feeling in your gut, which tells you something is profoundly wrong, yet you struggle to articulate it or seek help—an experience that many can relate to.

This pervasive sense of entrapment, embodied by Laura and the foster care system that upholds her, underscores the inescapable nature of grief. The Philippous delve even deeper into the surreal, illustrating moments of mourning where the enormity of loss becomes utterly incomprehensible, rendering the world around us alien and disorienting. Consequently, both Andy and, to a lesser degree, Piper, feel out of place in Laura’s peculiar environment, which heightens the film’s unsettling atmosphere while remaining emotionally resonant with the experience of grieving. Yet, the Philippous demonstrate empathy towards Laura, revealing not only her suffering but also her insecurities and desperate need for validation to perpetuate her sinister plans. While Laura serves as the antagonist in Bring Her Back, it is grief itself that transforms her from a nurturing figure into a nightmarish monster.

In the face-off against a determined Andy, Hawkins masterfully showcases the duality of Laura’s character. At times, she exudes an almost cloying sweetness, engaging joyfully with Piper. In stark contrast, her interactions with Ollie carry a tense undertone. The manic glint in her eyes as she deceives Piper, coupled with a conspiratorial wink towards Andy, conveys a chilling and alarming shift. The intensity of her plotting at night behind locked doors adds a layer of terror that lingers long after the scene has ended. Hawkins delivers what could be considered her career-best performance, fully embracing the complexities and agonies of motherhood with a breathtaking ferocity.

The Remarkable Young Cast of Bring Her Back Elevates the Film

Jonah Wren Phillips plays Ollie in “Bring Her Back.”
Credit: A24

While Hawkins is undeniably a powerhouse as Laura, the Philippou brothers have remarkably discovered young actors who can match her formidable presence on screen. Barratt, who recently portrayed Young Dimitri in Kraven: The Hunter, carries the heavy emotional burden of the film on his shoulders while actively resisting Hawkins’ Laura. Nearly 18, Andy exists in that awkward transitional phase between childhood and adulthood, a complexity that Barratt embodies with physicality that perfectly captures the blend of strength and vulnerability. His body language reflects his instability, shifting weight uneasily as Andy navigates the tumultuous emotions that accompany his circumstances. His shy smile, accentuated by sparkling braces, suggests a youthfulness that is juxtaposed against his capacity for fierce defiance when threatened by Laura.

In contrast, Piper emerges as a lively and somewhat bratty character, brought to life by Wong’s radiant charisma. Whether she is engaging in playful sports with friends or teasing her brother, Wong’s performance is effortless and captivating. In her debut role, Wong’s portrayal of Piper imbues the character with a spirit that heightens the film’s climax, making the moments of horror all the more poignant as the innocent girl unknowingly finds herself in peril, mistaking Laura’s lair for a safe haven.

Even more impressive is the haunting performance delivered by Jonah Wren Phillips as Ollie. With limited verbal communication due to selective mutism, a trauma-induced condition described by Laura, Phillips relies on intense eye contact and physical expressions to convey the character’s emotional depth. As the narrative unfolds and Laura’s dark secrets are revealed, Phillips’ role intensifies physically, demanding not only nuanced acting but also a commitment to practical effects, including disfiguring prosthetic makeup and body horror elements that resonate powerfully with the audience.

The scenes of violence in Bring Her Back are not merely graphic; they constitute an overwhelming sensory experience that assaults both the eyes and ears. The precise sound of metal hitting teeth and the visceral crunch of wood create an almost palpable sensation, immersing viewers in the horror. This, combined with seamless visual effects and Phillips’ hauntingly powerful performance, paves the way for a new horror icon. While Laura may instill fear, and Andy might tug at your heartstrings, it is Ollie’s chilling presence that will linger in your thoughts long after the credits roll.

In summary, Bring Her Back stands out as an exceptional cinematic experience. For those who were captivated by the intense scares of Talk to Me, this follow-up promises a thrilling dive into a deeply twisted narrative of heartache and body horror. The Philippou brothers have ventured deeper into character-driven storytelling, skillfully merging elements of psycho-biddy and religious horror. This potent combination not only results in a film that is terrifying but also profoundly impactful.

Grief is an immense emotion that washes over us like relentless waves. It disorients, destroys, and often catches us completely off guard. Bring Her Back adeptly encapsulates these multifaceted elements of grief and more, leaving an indelible impression on its audience.

While I found myself gasping and shrieking at the Philippous’ latest creation, I also experienced moments of breathlessness and tears. Although they have cautioned critics and audiences alike that their new film is “bleak,” I discovered beauty within its depths. Amidst the harrowing narrative filled with psychological torment, physical violence, and murder, Bring Her Back weaves a tender tale of love that transcends death, revealing how such love can be both a blessing and a curse.

Bring Her Back is set to hit theaters on May 30.