As a movie buff from Mumbai, I’ve always had a soft spot for horror films that go beyond cheap jump scares and dig into the raw emotions of human experience. Bring Her Back, the latest offering from Australian directors Danny and Michael Philippou, does exactly that, delivering a psychological horror masterpiece that’s as unsettling as it is heartbreaking. Released in Australia on May 29, 2025, and in the US the following day, this film has already sparked intense conversations among horror fans, and after watching it, I can see why. With stellar performances from Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, and Jonah Wren Phillips, this is a film that will haunt you long after the credits roll.
A Story Steeped in Grief and Dread
Bring Her Back follows step-siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), who are thrust into a nightmare after discovering their father’s lifeless body in the shower. Andy, a 17-year-old on the cusp of adulthood, is fiercely protective of his partially sighted step-sister Piper. With just three months until he can legally claim guardianship of her, the siblings are placed in the care of Laura (Sally Hawkins), a former counselor with a tragic past. Laura, who lost her own blind daughter Cathy to an accidental drowning, also fosters a mute boy named Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), whose eerie presence sets the tone for the unsettling events to come.
The film unfolds in Laura’s secluded home, where strange details—like a mysterious white circle painted around the property and Oliver’s disturbing behavior—hint at something sinister. As Laura’s eccentricities turn manipulative and abusive, Andy and Piper uncover a terrifying occult ritual tied to her grief. The Philippou brothers, known for their 2022 hit Talk to Me, weave a narrative that’s both a slow-burn psychological thriller and a visceral body horror experience, exploring how grief can push people to unimaginable extremes.
Performances That Steal the Show
Sally Hawkins is nothing short of phenomenal as Laura. Known for her heartwarming roles in films like The Shape of Water and Paddington, Hawkins transforms into a chilling figure here. Her portrayal of Laura is a masterclass in duality—shifting seamlessly between a warm, maternal facade and a deranged, grief-stricken psychopath. Indian audiences, who’ve loved Hawkins in her softer roles, will be stunned by her ability to evoke both empathy and terror. There’s a scene where she gaslights Piper with such subtle menace that it reminded me of the kind of emotional manipulation we sometimes see in intense family dramas on Indian television, but taken to a horrifying extreme.
Billy Barratt, as Andy, brings a raw vulnerability to the role of a young man forced to grow up too soon. His protective bond with Piper feels authentic, and his portrayal of a teenager grappling with trauma while trying to shield his sister is deeply moving. For Indian viewers, Andy’s sense of duty towards Piper might resonate with the cultural value of family loyalty, where siblings often take on parental roles in times of crisis.
Sora Wong, in her acting debut, is a revelation as Piper. Born with coloboma and microphthalmia, Wong brings an emotional intelligence to the role that makes Piper’s journey both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her performance, especially in scenes where she navigates her visual impairment while facing unimaginable horrors, adds a layer of authenticity that’s rare in horror films. Jonah Wren Phillips, as the mute Oliver, is downright terrifying. His silent, haunting presence—complete with a shaved head and a thousand-yard stare—had me clutching my seat, reminiscent of the creepy kids in classic Bollywood horror films like Raat or Bhoot.
A Horror Film with Heart and Gore
What sets Bring Her Back apart from typical horror fare is its emotional core. The Philippou brothers, who wrote the script alongside Bill Hinzman, draw from personal experiences of loss, making the film a poignant exploration of grief. The horror isn’t just in the gore (though there’s plenty of that—think visceral, stomach-churning moments that rival the intensity of Ragini MMS 2’s scariest scenes). It’s in the psychological torment of watching characters unravel under the weight of their pain. The film’s pacing, described by critics as a “creeping dread” similar to Ari Aster’s work, keeps you on edge, much like the slow-build tension in Indian horror classics like Tumbbad.
The practical effects are a highlight, with scenes involving prosthetics and gore that are both gruesome and oddly beautiful. One particularly unforgettable moment involves Oliver and a kitchen knife—trust me, you’ll be watching through your fingers. The sound design by Emma Bortignon and Cornel Wilczek’s score amplify the unease, with strange rumbles and eerie tones that feel like they’re straight out of a nightmare. For Indian audiences used to the melodramatic scores of Bollywood horror, this minimalist approach might feel refreshingly raw.
Critical Reception and Cultural Resonance
Bring Her Back has earned widespread praise, with a 75/100 score on Metacritic and an 80% positive audience rating on PostTrak. Critics have lauded Hawkins’ “sublimely chilling” performance and the film’s ability to balance horror with emotional depth. However, some, like Barry Wurst from HollywoodinToto, found the violence too intense, while others felt the supernatural elements could have been fleshed out more. As an Indian viewer, I found the film’s exploration of family dynamics and loss particularly resonant. The theme of a foster parent manipulating vulnerable children hits hard in a culture where family and trust are paramount, and Laura’s actions might remind some of toxic relationships depicted in Indian soaps.
The film’s inspiration from psycho-biddy horror, like What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, adds a layer of campy intensity that Indian audiences might appreciate, given our love for dramatic, larger-than-life characters. Yet, it’s grounded enough to feel personal, making it a unique addition to the horror genre.
Why You Should Watch It
Bring Her Back is not for the faint-hearted. Its R-rating for “strong disturbing bloody violent content, grisly images, graphic nudity, underage drinking, and language” is well-earned. But if you’re a fan of horror that makes you think and feel, this is a must-watch. It’s a film that combines the emotional weight of a family drama with the raw terror of supernatural horror, much like how Indian films like Stree blend folklore with social commentary. Whether you’re watching it in a packed theatre in Delhi or streaming it later on platforms like Netflix or Prime Video (available as of July 2025), be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions.
For Indian horror fans, Bring Her Back offers a fresh take on familiar themes, with performances that linger and a story that’s as unsettling as it is moving. It’s a reminder that grief can be a monster in itself, and sometimes, the scariest things are the ones we do to ourselves.
Sources: IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, The Guardian, The New York Times, Collider, Novastream, Wikipedia
