The basic trajectory is predictable, but fortunately the scene-by-scene progression of Bring Her Back (2025), an Australian horror film from Danny and Michael Philippou, keeps the viewer off balance interestingly enough to sustain the experience. Stepsiblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong) are tragically orphaned when their guardian passes. This sends them into the foster care of Laura (Sally Hawkins), an eccentric former counselor whose cheery nature doesn’t quite succeed in concealing a cryptic, creepy side. Well, the visually impaired Piper doesn’t develop suspicions, but Billy quickly detects something unsettling about their new circumstances — which likely has something to do with their mute new brother Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), who…isn’t quite right.
Carried by Hawkins’ unnerving, gradual villainy, Bring Her Back has disturbing vibes to burn, not to mention plenty of shocking, gorey imagery to punctuate the slow-burn ambience. The cast is capable, with Barratt providing an accessible viewpoint through which to evaluate the disconcerting scenario. Unfortunately, the destination is telegraphed by the title, while the script isn’t precise enough in its worldbuilding details or structural beats to facilitate a smooth narrative; the components don’t quite cohere into a satisfying whole. Horror buffs will likely still enjoy the visceral journey of it, though, and Hawkins is definitely on her game.
