IMDb.com
By Keith Walther
A24 has developed a knack for bringing audiences more unique movies, especially in the horror genre, like “Death of a Unicorn” earlier this year or last year’s “Heretic.” “Bring Her Back” continues this trend, once again teaming up with the Philippou brothers to deliver a diabolically clever and original horror film. The creativity of the storyline will keep viewers guessing, while continually building the tension to a palpable level.
After the sudden and tragic death of their father, siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong) are placed in foster care until Andy turns 18 in a few months, at which point he can obtain custody of his sister. In the meantime, they are placed in the care of Laura (Sally Hawkins), a single mother with a sweet and welcoming nature. Having lost her daughter to a drowning accident a couple years earlier, Laura gravitates towards Piper because the similarly aged teen shares another distinctive trait with her deceased daughter…they’re both blind.
Laura’s growing obsession with Piper along with the very strange behavior of Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), another young boy living in Laura’s house, becomes a growing red flag for Andy. When Oliver, who doesn’t speak, grows increasingly volatile and violent, Andy knows it is time to act. However, nothing can prepare these siblings for the satanic, ritualistic terror that emanates in this house, threatening to pull them into its supernatural and deadly embrace.
Danny and Michael Philippou had their directorial debut in 2023 with “Talk to Me,” which earned critical acclaim and commercial success. The Australian brothers return with their sophomore effort, “Bring Her Back,” building on their unique style in the horror genre. Their creativity is refreshing, once again harnessing an intelligent plot, rewarding audiences with originality in a saturated market. Similar to “Talk to Me,” they focus on supernatural horror, but this time with a satanic, ritualistic undercurrent that enhances the level of creepiness and terror. Coupled with their unorthodox approach to filming, viewers have a difficult time predicting what will happen, leading to unexpected and suspense inducing surprises.
Even though the director duo prefer the realm of supernatural, they don’t reach that level of terrifying that “The Conjuring” movies achieve so well. There are no real jump scares to speak of, nor is there that tangible level of intense anticipation to make this horror film truly great. However, there are those moments of revulsion that involve stomach turning self-mutilation, which will make audiences want to avert their eyes. The invasive cinematography heightens these moments, bringing about more of that disturbingly uncomfortable atmosphere. The Philippous find that zone of viewer satisfaction with strong storytelling and a quick pace that allow for a worthwhile filmgoing experience. Not to mention, they seem to know how to bring the most out of their cast, particularly the younger, more inexperienced actors.
Billy Barratt, only 17 years old, plays his most significant role to date as the older, protective brother, who tries to be the strong one for his sister to lean on despite his own guilt and trauma regarding his father’s death and troubled past. This is rather challenging for a young actor to play a character of such depth and inner struggle, but Billy provides a strong, reliable performance that captivates the audience. Playing his blind sister is Sora Wong, who also has severely impaired vision and has never acted before in her young life. Despite her complete lack of experience, she successfully gets viewers to care for her character’s wellbeing through her naturally genuine performance.
Of the youngsters, perhaps the most impressive is Jonah Wren Phillips, who portrays the mute young boy with a propensity for unpredictable, disturbing behavior. His seemingly vacant stares and explosive violence are responsible for much of the fright in this movie, and Jonah deserves a lot of the credit for his authenticity in the role. This young cast is anchored by the two-time Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins (“The Shape of Water” and “Blue Jasmine”), whose veteran presence is like a warm blanket. She outstandingly subdues inner feelings of her character’s intense grief over her dead daughter, slowly letting those feelings and motives bubble to the surface as the story unfolds. Even though she’s in a more antagonistic role, Sally provides the stabilizing force that makes this plot work.
As sequels, remakes, and reboots tend to be the norm in the horror genre, “Bring Her Back” provides that spark of originality that will satisfy your hunger for something new. It may not scare you to your core, but it will give you that exciting, adrenaline pumping suspense you pay to see in the theater. With a well-written, smart storyline, this horror film is sure to bring you back to the theater.
This movie earns
