Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong) are stepsiblings whose lives are about to change forever. When they discover their father dead in the bathroom, they are put up for adoption. Andy, however, wants to care for Piper on his own and does not want a guardian. Due to his age, he has limited options available to him. Fortunately, a woman named Laura (Sally Hawkins) applies to take both in. Laura has already accepted one foster child, whose name is Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips).
As Andy and Piper arrive at Laura’s home, they find her to be kind yet somewhat quirky. It’s clear that she is more favourably inclined toward being a guardian for Piper and is less compassionate toward Andy. The siblings decide they need to keep a low profile until Andy is of an appropriate age, hoping to eventually move on with their own lives. However, as they attempt to settle into Laura’s home, various strange and unexplainable events begin to take place. Soon, Andy and Piper begin to uncover a horrifying dark secret about their new foster mother.
Bring Her Back is a horror film that incorporates strong elements of the supernatural and mystery. Directed by the Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael—also known as RackaRaka—this film continues the journey they started through their filmmaking on YouTube. Their previous work in cinema includes Talk to Me ( 2022), which was filmed in Australia. Once again, the duo has created a feature film that is sure to be discussed for years to come!
Interestingly, like Talk to Me, Bring Her Back presents a compelling and dramatic take on loss. In addition to this theme, there are several others that I didn’t expect, including fear, grief, desperation, sin, and trust, among many others. For the most part, the story is also unpredictable. In terms of horror, this film is filled with tense and unsettling moments. If you find watching brutal and gruesome violence unsettling, you should brace yourself for a wild ride. The moments of violence are often unexpected and shocking; I even found myself looking away from the screen several times due to the effectiveness and realism depicted.
Philippou brothers have created another stunning visual experience with their direction. The film often has a dark tone, and its storyline carries a weight and drama that feels distinct when compared to Talk to Me. The settings play a significant role, and the duo know how to build tension, keeping audiences guessing throughout. The performances are excellent, particularly Sally Hawkins as Laura, who delivers a portrayal that is completely unhinged and unpredictable. The young cast also performs outstandingly. However, some character choices throughout the film are somewhat disappointing or even frustrating at times.
Overall, Bring Her Back (2025) is a new Australian film directed by the Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael. They have once again crafted a captivating story that highlights the genre’s best aspects. The film delves into themes such as fear, grief, loss, desperation, loneliness, trauma, sin, and trust, among others. The performances are gripping and exceptional, particularly that of Sally Hawkins, who delivers a role that is both unexpected and a departure from her recent work. Ultimately, Bring Her Back is a chilling experience and is consistently unsettling with its heavy atmosphere and numerous twists. I highly recommend this horror film if you dare!
Bring Her Back (2025) will be Available in Australian Cinemas from May 29th!
Published: 28th May 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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