Modern horror is not great. There’s not much out there that is actually scary or well written. Then comes along something like Bring Her Back. I saw the trailer a while back and have wanted to see it since then.
Bring Her Back stars Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, Mischa Heywood, and Stephen Phillips. Danny and Michael Philippou direct, with Danny and Bill Hinzman penning the script. The Philippou’s are known for directing Talk to Me, which is a very good horror.
The Story
At first, the story isn’t all that original:
A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother.
However, as with all these types of movies, it’s about what they do with the above. The opening of Bring Her Back finds us watching a VHS video of some form of torture/ritual.
We then cut to Piper (Wong), an Asian girl who’s partially sighted. She’s trying to make friends, but the other teenage girls just tease her. In steps Andy (Barratt), who is her step-brother. He really cares for his sister and tries to look after her.
We see that their father dies in the shower, and they are put into the care system. They were going to be split up at first, but then ended up at Laura’s house. Andy has been in trouble before, but in 3 months, when he’s 18, he can apply for legal guardianship of Piper.
Laura seems a little eccentric, but likeable. She also cares for Oliver (Wren Phillips), who’s mute.
Things Get Weird
Obviously, things get odd in Bring Her Back. Oliver is not all he seems, and Laura has an agenda. At first, Andy catches her reading his texts on his phone, but that’s just the beginning. As always, I don’t want to spoil the story, but it’s good, damn good.
I’m never very good at second-guessing a movie, but this one had me guessing all the way through. I honestly couldn’t tell where the story was going, and it kept me on the edge of my seat.
The ending was a little cheesy, but very satisfying to find out what the hell was going on.
The Cast
Hawkins is the biggest name, and she is really good in this, but I have to give credit to the three younger actors.
Barratt is excellent in Bring Her Back. He’s a troubled teen who just wants to make sure his sister is safe. As the story goes on, and he knows he’s losing control of the situation, he gets better and better. Towards the end, he’s really losing the plot, and his acting is spot on.
Wong was the same. It’s her first credit, and she is partially sighted. Her right eye is all over the place, which I thought was CG at first, but no, she is registered blind. Honestly, as a first-time actress, she really stands out. Poor Piper doesn’t know what’s going on or whom to trust, even her brother.
I really felt for little Wren Phillips, though. Oliver is the centre of Laura’s world for a reason. This poor kid goes through a lot, and I mean some proper HOLY S*** moments. I’m pretty good with horror and gore, but it had me winching. I hope making a movie like this doesn’t scar him for life.
Overall
I don’t want to spoil the story of Bring Her Back, but I have to mention just how well it’s written. You all know what a picky sod I am when it comes to plot details, but the Philippou’s really thought about their script and tied up all lose ends.
Chances are, I missed a few plot holes, but I was so engaged with the story, I was happy to miss them. It’s one of those movies that unfolds at the right pace to keep you guessing, but interested.
Bring Her Back is one of those movies that will sit with me for a while, and not just because of the gore. I work with kitchen worktops and know how tough they are. Seeing someone biting through one, at the expense of their teeth, will make me cringe when I see one at work.
I wouldn’t say this is a horror movie, as such, it’s more of a heavy thriller. There is a mild supernatural element to it, but overall it’s a damn good horror.
I’m giving Bring Her Back a solid 4.5 out of 5, but that might go up on a second watch, which I will do when it’s on streaming.
Bring Her Back is on VoD in the US and still in cinemas in the UK.
