BRING HER BACK

(directors: Danny and Michael Philippou; screenwriter: Bill Hinzman/Danny Philippou; cinematographer: Aaron McLisky; editor: Geoff Lamb; music: Cornel Wilczek; cast: Billy Barratt (Andy), Sora Wong (Piper), Sally-Anne Upton (Wendy), Stephen Phillips (Phil), Sally Hawkins (Laurie), Mischa Heywood (Cathy), Jonah Wren Phillips (Oliver); Runtime: 99; MPAA Rating: R; producers: Kristina Ceyton, Samantha Jennings; A24; 2025-Australia)

“Hits you smack in the gut.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

The Aussie twin brothers Danny and Michael Philippou (“Talk to Me”) direct, and Danny co-writes with Bill Hinzman this Australian fairy-tale dark horror pic on handling grief that hits you smack in the gut. It features shock and gross-out scenes, which makes it an uneasy watch.

The pic opens showing grainy footage at an abandoned warehouse, where a strange ritual is taking place. It seems to be for a snuff film, as a woman is filming the odd behavior of a young girl.

Without exposition, the next scene shows the accidental death in the shower of the abusive dad of the soon to be 18-year-old Andy (Billy Barratt). He’s also the stepfather of Piper (Sora Wong), the protective Andy’s younger visually impaired sister. The now foster kids are taken into the secluded luxury home of the ex-therapist for Social Services Laura (Sally Hawkins), whose daughter recently drowned in her backyard pool and she supposedly wants to now help other unfortunate kids in order to make her life more satisfying. In 3 months when 18, Andy intends to file a claim to become Piper’s guardian.

Also in the foster home is the head shaved, non-functioning, weirdo mute Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), who is locked in his room. There’s also a stuffed dog, once Laura’s pet, who becomes part of the foster home set-up.

Things turn into a gory nightmare when the foul-mouthed Laura goes sicko.

The acting is terrific and the script is good, but it’s not an easy film to sit through with all its shocking scares. It’s a difficult film to like and an even more difficult film to dislike.

REVIEWED ON 5/30/2025  GRADE: B-
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