"Bring Her Back" (2025): A Visceral Dive into Grief and Unsettling Horror

June 13, 2025

The highly anticipated follow-up from "Talk to Me" directors Danny and Michael Philippou, "Bring Her Back" (2025), has landed, and critics are calling it a "stressful nightmare" and a "horror masterpiece" that will leave audiences "squirming." While it might not always hit the same emotional high notes as their debut, it undeniably cements the Philippou brothers as formidable forces in modern horror, delivering a relentless and deeply disturbing cinematic experience.

The Haunting Premise

"Bring Her Back" plunges into the dark depths of parental grief, focusing on Laura (a mesmerizing Sally Hawkins), a former social worker whose daughter tragically drowned. When stepsiblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and the visually impaired Piper (Sora Wong) are placed in her foster care after their father's sudden death, they soon discover Laura's sinister secret: she's entangled in a harrowing occult ritual aimed at resurrecting her deceased daughter. This involves sacrificing the children under her care, transforming the seemingly safe foster home into a psychological and physical battleground.

A Masterclass in Unsettling Atmosphere and Gore

The film excels in creating a pervasive sense of dread, blending supernatural elements with a chilling psychological intensity. Critics highlight the Philippous' signature style: a "bleak domestic horror" that doesn't shy away from "visceral brutalities." Expect scenes of explicit harm, unsettling body horror, and moments that push boundaries, particularly concerning the younger cast. While some argue that the gore might not always feel entirely "earned" by the narrative, its impact is undeniable, leaving audiences genuinely unnerved.

Sally Hawkins' Captivating Performance

A standout element is Sally Hawkins' performance as Laura. Described as "gentle yet poisonously evil," "mesmerizing," and "disturbing and touching equally," Hawkins navigates the character's descent into madness with incredible skill. She embodies the devastating effects of grief, transforming a sympathetic figure into a monstrous one driven by an all-consuming desire to defy death. The subtle manipulation and gaslighting she inflicts on Andy and Piper are particularly effective in building tension.

Themes of Loss and Trauma

Much like their previous film "Talk to Me," "Bring Her Back" is deeply rooted in an exploration of grief and trauma. It delves into the dark lengths individuals will go to in the face of unimaginable loss, and how such anguish can twist a person into a monster. The film also subtly touches on the real-world vulnerabilities of children in the foster care system, adding another layer of unsettling realism to the supernatural terror.

A Wild Ride, But Not Without its Nuances

While largely praised, some critics note that "Bring Her Back" might be "messier" or "less focused" than "Talk to Me." The narrative can be complex, with a few plot threads feeling underdeveloped or certain scare tactics appearing somewhat gratuitous. However, the overall consensus is that the film is a "wild ride" that successfully delivers a unique and profoundly disturbing horror experience. It's a film that demands attention, promising to linger in the viewer's mind long after the credits roll.

For those who appreciated the "gnarly, genuine terror and soul-wrenching grief" of "Talk to Me," "Bring Her Back" offers a compelling, if at times uncomfortable, follow-up that solidifies the Philippou brothers' place among the most exciting voices in contemporary horror. Be warned: it's not for the faint of heart.

Review by Play2Donate/AI Assistant