Bring Her Back is the latest release from Australian filmmakers Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou. Following the success of the visceral Talk to Me (2022), the brothers return with a gripping story that blends fear, loss, and dark ritualism inside an apparently welcoming home. Starring Billy Barratt, Sally Hawkins, and Mischa Heywood, the film promises not only scares but a deep exploration of the pain that tears through a grieving family.
Although classified as horror, Bring Her Back contains layers of family drama and psychological terror, structured around a devastating central performance.
The film has already been well received by critics, holding an 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviews highlighting both the suffocating atmosphere and the bravery of the actors in intense scenes. Here, you’ll find a detailed analysis of the plot, cast, highlights, and reasons why it’s worth watching.
A Hair-Raising Story
The film opens with a shocking scene: siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong) find their father dead in the shower, the victim of a fatal accident. The shock sets the emotional tone and guides the initial narrative, showing the protective dynamic Andy has toward his sister—who is blindly dependent on him.
After their request for temporary guardianship is denied, a social worker places them under the care of Laura (Sally Hawkins), a former school counselor who lost her own daughter, Cathy. Laura’s isolated house seems warm at first, but soon signs appear that something is very wrong in this home.
Amid growing tension, a demonic ritual is discovered: Laura intends to bring Cathy back to life using dark forces. Piper and Andy watch disturbing videos about cults, symbols, and sinister practices, while Laura emotionally manipulates the siblings to fulfill her goal.
The transformation reaches its peak when Laura attacks Andy, using a ritual to kill Piper’s brother and sacrifice his body in exchange for Cathy. Piper nearly drowns in a forced plunge into the pool—a setting that symbolizes corrupted purification. The ending is heartbreaking: Piper escapes, holding on to Andy’s words about life after death.
Iconic cast and Characters
Billy Barratt as Andy – Barratt delivers a deeply sensitive performance. Having already stood out in Invasion and films like Eden, here he carries the weight of a protective brother dealing with grief, fear, and guilt. The scene where Andy wets the bed and tries to hide it symbolizes his vulnerability in the face of sudden trauma.
Sora Wong as Piper
Piper is blind and entirely reliant on Andy. In her film debut, Sora Wong conveys both empathy and emotional strength. Her performance choices—from subtly sensory reactions to climactic despair—are impressive. Her chemistry with Barratt solidifies a believable sibling bond.
Sally Hawkins as Laura
At a somber 40 years old, Hawkins returns to the tone of intense dramas (The Shape of Water, Blue Jasmine). Her character Laura is a blend of maternal care and madness. Reviews claim she “creates a character that walks the line between gentleness and a cataclysmic portrayal of maternal despair.”
Jonah Wren Phillips as Oliver / Connor
Phillips—who appeared in Human Error—plays Oliver, a mute boy who becomes increasingly disturbing. His blank expression and bizarre actions (like attacking the household cat) create an eerie atmosphere.
Mischa Heywood as Cathy
Although her presence is limited to flashbacks, Cathy represents the void driving Laura’s obsession. Heywood, who shone in The Wonder Gang, embodies the lost child at the center of a dark ritual.
Sally-Anne Upton as Wendy
The social worker is the character that bridges the siblings’ past and present. Upton, who has appeared in series like Neighbours, brings an institutional counterpoint to the domestic horror.
Fascinating Facts About the Film
The intense emotions—loss and desperate longing—are channeled into horror, bringing the genre closer to family drama. Aaron McLisky’s cinematography captures a house that’s romantic on the outside, yet damp and shadow-filled within. The constant rain and the empty pool build both visual and symbolic tension.
Disturbing videos and grotesque rituals blend with the siblings’ daily lives. The VHS-style grainy aesthetic heightens the discomfort. Unlike works that rely on cheap jump scares, Bring Her Back portrays true suffering. Andy and Piper feel so real that their fears strike a chord, making the audience root for them until the very end.
The post-film experience provokes reflection on trauma, emotional manipulation, abuse of power, and the illusion of control over death. Laura is so complex that she both attracts and repels. The weight of grief is visible in Hawkins’ eyes; watching her frightening transformation is a performance in itself.
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