Bring Her Back is the latest film from Michael and Danny Philippou the directors behind the hit Talk To Me. The latest film explores grief and the lengths one goes to preserve a deceased loved one’s memory. You can check out the official synopsis below.

A brother and sister witness a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.

I’m a huge fan of Danny and Michael all the way back to their Racka Racka days on YouTube. During my first time attending Sundance, I was lucky enough to watch the premiere of Talk To Me. I’ll tell you I was not prepared for what I was about to get into when I went in to watch that film. Immediately I knew that I’d be tuned in to whatever they did next and two years later, here we are. Bring Her Back is a total 180 in terms of tone and feel from Talk To Me. The film goes for a much bleaker and somber feeling whereas Talk To Me might feel a bit more relaxed. Of course, both films deal with grief and unresolved trauma, but they approach it in distinct ways.

Bring Her Back stars Sally Hawkins as Laura the foster mother who is harvesting some dark secrets. Hawkins plays this very complicated character in a way I hadn’t seen her before. It’s a role that cannot quite land if not executed properly but Hawkins is flawless. We see her showcase this absolute range that takes your breath away. The other young actors here Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, and Jonah Wren Phillips are great as well. Bring Her Back asks a lot from these young actors especially towards the end. I think they truly deliver in terms of intensity and emotion.

In terms of the scares, you definitely are coming into a slow burn type of film. Bring Her Back gradually begins to creep you out with very intense imagery that lingers. In its final act is where the film decides to slam the gas and be relentless with its horrors. This makes it in my opinion a superior horror film. There’s also a way that the filmmakers build up the dread and scares that make it hit much harder.

Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman crafted such a compelling and soul crushing script. There’s a lot of turns throughout the film and a lot that you’re kept in the dark from. Although there is a want to know everything I believe this secrecy makes the events that much more horrifying. The intense feeling of longing and grief presented as well felt so guttural that you feel your heart breaking. All of this with the actors who deliver their lines with tremendous emotions and sincerity are incredible.

I will say the film can be very intense specifically three scenes that come to mind from the film. In terms of Talk To Me, I would definitely say Talk To Me is lightwork compared to what they pull off here with gore. The whole crowd was audibly gasping and churning in their seats with these scenes. It’s all warranted and doesn’t come off as cheap or shocking for shock’s sake either. The Philippou’s masterfully interweave this with the visceral and brutal pain of grief.

Bring Her Back is yet another example of the bright future the brothers have in this space. It continues to elevate what they did previously with Talk To Me and showcase Hawkins in a way many might not have seen her before. The talented young actors as well are some to keep an eye out for in the future. The film is contained, bleak, heart breaking and just beautifully told. A must see if you’re a fan of the genre and the directors’ previous work.