After captivating horror audiences with their breakout film Talk to Me, directors Danny and Michael Philippou return with Bring Her Back, a deeply atmospheric horror drama from A24 that trades supernatural spectacle for intense character exploration.
Unlike their previous work, the Philippou brothers approached Bring Her Back with a more introspective lens. “Talk to Me feels like a party horror film, but this one is more character-driven,” shares Danny Philippou. “We liked the challenge of a contained story about these three characters, focusing on their relationships.”
At the heart of the film is Sally Hawkins, portraying Laura—a woman with a mysterious past who becomes the foster mother of siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong). As the children settle into their new, isolated home, they slowly begin to unearth a horrifying secret ritual lurking beneath the surface of their foster life.
Known for her nuanced portrayals and emotional depth, Hawkins brings a raw vulnerability to Laura, making her one of the most compelling horror characters in recent A24 history. “Laura is written almost in a more outwardly confident way,” explains Danny. “But Sally brought this depth to it and portrayed it in a different, more interesting way.”
“It’s a delicate piece and dealing with delicate subject matter, albeit in a rather terrifying frame or mask,” Hawkins shares. “I felt completely supported and trusted and given the space needed to do what I felt I needed to do.”
The sibling dynamic between Andy and Piper, played by rising stars Billy Barratt and Sora Wong, adds a powerful emotional undercurrent to the eerie narrative. Piper’s character, who is low-vision, is portrayed with empathy and strength, adding another layer of representation to the genre.
Bring Her Back promises a slow-burn psychological horror that pulls viewers into a web of emotional trauma, family fractures, and spine-chilling revelations. With strong performances, tight direction, and A24’s signature moody atmosphere, the film is poised to be another haunting hit.
Watch the official trailer:
