Review: Bring Her Back

In Bring Her Back, we follow siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), who are thrust into the foster care system following a traumatic accident. They are taken in by Laura (Sally Hawkins), who initially appears to be a compassionate guardian in her secluded woodland home. However, there is an unsettling quality to her behavior; her overt kindness feels performative. As Andy and Piper begin to realize that their new environment is not what it seems, the tension builds toward a race to uncover the truth.

The Philippou brothers and their background

Australian filmmakers Danny and Michael Philippou return with their second feature film following the critical success of 2022’s Talk to Me. While that title remains on my watchlist, I am well-acquainted with their high-energy YouTube channel, Racka Racka. Their online work is characterized by ambitious stunts, visceral practical effects, and a brand of subversive humor. Their portfolio includes everything from a deranged Ronald McDonald to DC versus Marvel battles that deliver an intensity rarely seen in independent digital content.

A bigger budget and bigger ambitions

Bring Her Back benefits from an increased production budget, allowing the directors to fully realize their creative vision. The film is lean and atmospheric from the outset, though it takes time for the more overt horror elements to manifest. The climax features some of the most visceral and impressive practical effects in recent memory. It is evident that the brothers were granted significant creative freedom, and they utilize it to deliver a unique cinematic experience.

Sally Hawkins shines

Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) delivers a masterclass performance from start to finish. She navigates the complexities of her role without resorting to genre clichés, expertly maintaining a sense of ambiguity. The audience immediately senses that something is amiss, yet like Piper and Andy, the exact nature of the threat remains elusive. As the narrative unfolds, the viewer is drawn into the mystery alongside the characters.

Billy Barratt and Sora Wong

Billy Barratt has appeared in various projects previously, but this role truly showcases his range. For the character to be effective, he must be both sympathetic and occasionally abrasive, a balance that Barratt strikes convincingly.

Sora Wong, who is visually impaired in real life, makes an impressive debut as Piper. While she currently has no future projects announced, her naturalistic performance suggests a promising career. Her portrayal adds a layer of genuine vulnerability to the character’s challenges.

Weaknesses in the film

Bring Her Back is not without its flaws. Certain sequences suffer from pacing issues, and despite the sustained tension, there are moments where the narrative momentum stalls. Additionally, the script occasionally feels repetitive in its delivery.

The release and technical aspects

Bring Her Back is not currently available on UHD in Sweden, so enthusiasts seeking the highest fidelity may need to look toward imported versions. The Blu-ray presentation is excellent, offering a sharp, clean image with solid black levels, though the absence of HDR is notable. The audio is presented in 5.1 DTS Master Audio; it is a highly effective track that utilizes surround effects to enhance the film’s eerie atmosphere.

The highlights of the physical release are the well-produced documentaries. The directors’ passion for the craft is evident, providing a deep dive into the production process. The inclusion of commentary tracks is also a welcome addition for fans of the genre.

In summary, Bring Her Back is a highly recommended, well-crafted horror film that consistently subverts expectations. While the lack of a 4K release and occasional pacing issues are drawbacks, it remains a compelling watch that showcases the growing talent of the Philippou brothers.

SF Studios sent review copies for this test. The providers of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with you, the readers and consumers, in focus.