A Haunting Journey: Sally Hawkins in "Bring Her Back"
The Bottom Line: A solid sophomore outing.
Release Date: Friday, May 30
Cast: Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, Sally-Anne Upton, Stephen Phillips, Mischa Heywood, Sally Hawkins
Directors: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou
Screenwriters: Danny Philippou, Bill Hinzman
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes
Introduction: The Grief That Devours
In Bring Her Back, the Philippou Brothers deliver a gut-wrenching portrayal of grief that hits you like a punch to the gut. The film opens with a haunting scene: siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong) find their father’s lifeless body slumped on the bathroom floor. The shock of his sudden death sets off a chain of chilling events that spiral into darkness.
The Philippous, known for their gripping debut Talk to Me, have redefined horror by artfully blending supernatural elements with deep emotional resonance. This time, they delve deeper into how bereavement shapes human behavior, pushing boundaries into the realm of the unimaginable.
Setting the Stage: An Eerie New Family Dynamic
As Andy and Piper navigate their new life under the care of Laura (Sally Hawkins), a former social worker with an eccentric personality, nothing seems right. From the outset, it’s clear that Laura’s intentions are murky, especially since she originally only wanted to adopt Piper, drawn by her resemblance to Laura’s late blind daughter. Piper’s refusal to part from her brother adds tension to an already strained situation.
Upon arrival at Laura’s secluded cabin, Andy notes unsettling details, particularly Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), a strange, mute boy whose unsettling demeanor raises suspicion. The mounting strangeness further escalates Andy’s concerns when he witnesses Laura’s bizarre behavior, all while grappling with his traumatic memories.
A Descent into Darkness: Laura’s Sinister Motives
What starts as a seemingly harmless arrangement quickly devolves into a sinister game of manipulation. Laura subtly undermines Andy’s attempts to secure custody over Piper, cunningly wielding his secrets against him. As the film progresses, Andy must confront not only the haunting memories of his father’s death but also the terrifying truths about his newfound guardian.
The real horror in Bring Her Back lies not in jump scares but in the atmosphere of dread that envelops the narrative. Under the skillful direction of the Philippous and cinematographer Aaron McLiskey, Hawkins captures a haunting intensity as Laura gazes at Piper, suggesting that her maternal instinct may be more malevolent than protective.
Crafting Atmosphere: A Journey Through Grief
The film excels in its experiential horror—successfully evoking the raw emotional weight of grief. With a spine-tingling score and effective sound design, the Philippous weave an atmosphere that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The chilling sequences, paired with impressive makeup effects from Make-up Effects Group and Scarecrew Studios, deliver a visceral experience. One particularly striking scene features a character biting into a knife, resulting in a graphic depiction of body horror.
Standout Performances: A Talented Cast
At the heart of this narrative are powerful performances. Sally Hawkins delivers a haunting portrayal of a woman grappling with loss, expertly revealing her character’s descent into madness. Jonah Wren Phillips’ performance as Oliver is captivating yet tragic, further heightening the film’s emotional stakes. The chemistry between Barratt and Wong provides a tender counterpoint to the otherwise bleak atmosphere, making their sibling bond feel achingly real.
Final Thoughts: A Lasting Impression
While Bring Her Back occasionally echoes the narrative disarray of Talk to Me, it ultimately thrives on an intuitive level that lingers long after the credits roll. The film invites us to question the tragedy of grief, and how it can compel individuals to commit unspeakable acts.
With compelling direction, engaging performances, and a narrative that grips your soul, Bring Her Back stands as a powerful exploration of grief and the darkness that can emerge from it. If you’re a fan of horror that transcends mere jump scares to explore deep emotional truths, this film is a must-see.
For further insights into the world of horror cinema, check out more from Hollywood Reporter.
Enjoyed this overview? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
