Bring Her Back

Bring Her Back is a 2025 Australian psychological horror film directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, the duo behind the critically acclaimed Talk to Me (2022). Blending occult horror with domestic dread, the film is a slow-burning and deeply disturbing exploration of grief, ritual, and manipulation within a foster family setting.

The story follows Andy (played by Billy Barratt) and his younger, blind half-sister Piper (Sora Wong), who are placed into the care of a mysterious foster mother, Laura (Sally Hawkins), after the death of their father. At first, Laura seems kind and nurturing, offering the children a quiet home alongside her own silent son, Oliver. However, as time passes, Andy begins to notice disturbing behaviors and strange occurrences in the house. Pets disappear, odd rituals unfold, and Piper becomes increasingly isolated.

As the psychological tension escalates, Andy uncovers Laura’s true intent: she believes Piper holds the key to resurrecting her dead daughter through a dangerous supernatural ritual. The horror unfolds with chilling realism, leading to a tense, hallucinatory climax that questions whether the dead should ever be brought back—and at what cost.

Like Talk to Me, Bring Her Back explores the psychological consequences of grief, this time through the lens of motherhood and childhood trauma. It blends folk horror and body horror with intense emotional beats. The theme of a child being used for occult purposes recalls Hereditary, but the Philippous push the intensity further, offering little relief from the film’s suffocating dread.

The film is also notable for its representation of disability, with Piper’s blindness portrayed not as a gimmick but as a source of resilience. Her character is central to the story’s emotional stakes and spiritual weight.

Sally Hawkins gives a haunting performance as Laura—alternating between tender and terrifying. Critics have called her role “career-defining,” with eerie subtlety and emotional depth.

Billy Barratt delivers a grounded and intense portrayal of Andy, a boy torn between fear and protectiveness.

Sora Wong, in her breakout role, plays Piper with vulnerability and quiet strength, making her one of the most memorable child characters in modern horror.

The film premiered in 2025 to widespread acclaim from horror fans and critics alike. It has been described as “a relentless, nerve-shredding experience” by The Guardian and “emotionally devastating horror” by Polygon. Critics praised its unflinching storytelling, chilling atmosphere, and outstanding performances.

Bring Her Back is a bold follow-up for the Philippou brothers, proving that their success with Talk to Me was no fluke. It’s a film that refuses to hold back, confronting its audience with visceral emotion and terrifying supernatural horror. A story of loss, obsession, and sacrifice, Bring Her Back may leave you shaken—and thinking—long after the screen fades to black.