Another terrifying release from Director's Danny & Michael Philippou, giving them a strong start and setting the bar pretty high in terms of their work. A solid release from A24, and if you're a fan of any element in the mix, this is one you won't regret purchasing.
“In the wake of a family tragedy, siblings Andy and Piper are sent to live with their new foster mother, Laura (Sally Hawkins), and a troubled orphan, Oliver. But as their new caretaker’s sunny disposition begins to crack and the siblings unravel the truth about Oliver’s disturbing behavior, they’re forced to contend with a terrifying ritual that puts their own bond to the test. Talk to Me filmmakers Danny & Michael Philippou spin an unforgettably tense and unnerving nightmare of grief curdling into sinister horror.”
When it comes to modern horror, A24 has quickly become the one of the most noteworthy studios today. They consistently back projects that push the genre beyond convention. Whether it’s Robert Eggers’ stark folklore in The Witch, Ari Aster’s operatic grief in Hereditary and Midsommar, or Ti West’s stylish reinvention of slasher tropes his X trilogy, A24 has proven time and again that they’re not interested in formula. They’re interested in films that last, ones that burrow under your skin and stay there. Bring Her Back continues that tradition, standing as one of their most unique and thought-provoking releases to date.
The film industry has changed drastically over the past few decades, not just in content, but the way talented people break into the industry. Directors Danny & Michael Philippou gained fame on YouTube, and while I may have been skeptical about that transition in years past, if you’ve seen their film Talk to Me, it’s a transition that is well deserved, and this film is another descent into some of the most unnerving and unforgettable scenes in recent memory.
One interesting thing about the film is the mystery surrounding the premise. Upon seeing the trailer, it was hard to tell exactly what the film would entail. It is absolutely the best way to go into Bring Her Back, but if you’re familiar with Talk to Me, it has the same atmosphere, so instead of going on and on about the content of the film, all I will say is that the exploration of grief will affect each person differently, especially those that are parents. It’s a film that demands thought and reflection, sprinkled with some gruesome scenes that will leave you screaming and covering your eyes in horror.
While Sally Hawkins is mesmerizing as the antagonist, the kids, Billy Barratt as Andy and Sora Wong as Piper are equally as excellent. Their bond in the film goes beyond that of brother-sister. Andy’s protective nature of her and their relationship has beautiful depth and dimension, it brings the characters to life in a way that you care deeply what happens to them. I don’t want to leave out Jonah Wren Phillips as Oliver, because that kid went through a lot in the film, and that type of dedication and performance is unforgettable.
Video
Presented in 1080p High-Definition Widescreen, Bring Her Back looks fantastic on Blu-ray. Although this is also out on 4k, this Blu-ray transfer still captures the moody cinematography well. Shadow detail is especially important here, as much of the film takes place in dimly lit interiors and nighttime sequences. Black levels are solid, with no crushing or banding, and the muted color palette enhances the somber tone of the story. Fine detail, from weathered faces to the textures of worn-down environments comes through beautifully.
Audio
The audio is presented in Dolby Atmos, and it’s used with restraint and precision. Dialogue is crystal clear, which is vital for a story-driven film. Surround channels are reserved for unsettling atmospheric effects: faint whispers, creaking floorboards, distant storms, all designed to make you feel uneasy without resorting to cheap tricks. The low-end is strong but not overbearing, reserved for key moments where dread builds into release. It’s an immersive mix that enhances the mood perfectly, without distracting from the story.
Special Features
A24 continues to understand its audience by including thoughtful extras, not just fluff. The Blu-ray includes:
- Director Commentary with Danny & Michael Philippou
- “Coming Full Circle: Making Bring Her Back” Featurette
- Six Collectable Postcards with Behind the Scenes Photography by Ingvar Kenne
Bring Her Back is another reminder of why A24 sits at the top of the modern horror landscape. Unique, emotionally rich, and deeply unsettling, it’s not just a horror film, but a reflection on grief and the dangerous places it can lead us. The Blu-ray presentation does justice to the film’s striking visuals and carefully constructed soundscape, while the extras offer meaningful insight into the creative process.
This is a must-have for horror fans and A24 collectors alike, a film that lingers in your mind, challenging you to reflect on the lengths any parent might go when faced with unbearable loss.
