Danny and Michael Philippou (aka @Therackaracka) are back! After the incredible, and well-deserved, success of their 2023 debut horror Talk to Me, the boys have returned with an ambitious and arguably even more brilliant Aussie horror flick. Bring Her Back is the much-anticipated follow-up to Talk to Me, though of course there is no connection plot-wise. Following up the huge success of their first film was likely a daunting task for Danny and Michael, though they appear to have taken it in their stride, producing what may be an even better film than their first, and certainly a more personal one for the directing duo.
While Talk to Me was a more conventional horror, using jump scares and creepy imagery to create a menacing atmosphere, Bring Her Back blends reality and the unexplained to create a genuinely nail-biting and surprising film. In Bring Her Back, the worst of the horror comes from the realistic situations the film explores, though of course the supernatural elements are absolutely just as squirm-worthy as those in their first entry. The Philippou brothers have certainly found their niche.
Much like its predecessor, this film is about grief, the impact that grief can have, and the damage it can do to those left behind. It’s a story of family, and grief, and any talk of the plot is best left at that. If you liked Talk to Me, take a chance on the film without spending too much time trying to find out what it’s about. It will be worth it.
The characters feel like people you could actually know, or at least pass by on the street, and Sally Hawkins (known for many roles including The Shape of Water and of course Paddington), is unrecognisable and her Aussie accent is damn-near perfect. Though as incredible as she is here, it may be the performances from Billy Barratt (“Andy”), Sora Wong (“Piper”) and Jonah Wren Phillips (“Olly”) that are the standouts of the film. The entire cast give incredible performances.
Bring Her Back is generally a more bleak film than Talk to Me. Talk to Me offered comedic moments blended in with the horror, appropriate for the cast of teenager partygoers, and the metaphor for party drugs. Bring Her Back is a darker and more melancholy film overall, delving deeper into grief, but this does not take away from the beauty of the film. You’ll want to keep some tissues on hand though, just in case. It’s a heartbreaking experience, but one you’ll be glad you watched.
Sound plays a crucial part in the movie, and it really drives home some of the key emotions of the film, while the emphasis on everyday sounds like the Australian birds help to ground the movie in reality and further enhance the horror – because it’s more horrifying if you feel it could be happening somewhere near you, right?
Horror movies, particularly supernatural ones, can waste time explaining the ins and outs of how everything works. The Philippou brothers, however, are highly adept at pinpointing exactly how much information viewers need about the supernatural “rules” being followed. In both of their films, the “whys” are minimal. They give you what you need to get to accept the premise and move on, allowing more time for the plot to unfold (this it certainly leaves the door open for both films to have prequels and spin offs if they so choose, though of course they are perfect as standalone films).
Bring Her Back is an outstanding follow up that shows the boys aren’t just one-trick ponies, and whatever comes next from them is sure to be just as phenomenal. Definitely worth a watch in the cinema.
