Why “Bring Her Back” Hits So Hard—and Why That’s a Good Thing

Let’s be real—horror movies are hard to get right. We want them to scare us, but not leave us sleeping with the lights on for a week. We like creepy stuff, but not when it messes with our heads too much. And on top of all that? Throw in a few laughs, please. That’s a lot to ask from one movie.

But that’s exactly what some new filmmakers are trying to do, especially the ones who aren’t afraid to break the rules a little. The latest example? Danny and Michael Philippou, two Australian brothers who gave us the chilling Talk to Me in 2023. Now they’re back with another spooky story called “Bring Her Back.” And trust me—this one hits different.

Meet Andy and Piper—More Than Just Scary Stuff

The heart of this movie is the relationship between Andy and his younger stepsister, Piper. Andy’s dad just died, and now the siblings are stuck in a foster home for a few months. Andy’s almost old enough to take care of Piper, who’s legally blind, but until then, they’re stuck with a woman named Laura.

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At first, Laura seems kinda weird but sweet—like that one neighbor who talks to squirrels in her backyard but also brings cookies to your door. Her house is a little rundown, and she’s got some seriously odd decor (a taxidermy dog, anyone?). Oh, and there’s a silent, wild-eyed kid named Ollie who eats… well, things. Let’s just say I stopped munching on my popcorn real quick.

More Than Jump Scares—This One Hurts

What makes Bring Her Back stand out isn’t just the scares. Sure, there are plenty of “oh no, don’t go in there!” moments. But it’s the grief that gets under your skin. The story is wrapped around loss, loneliness, and deep emotional pain. Kinda like Hereditary or The Babadook, where it’s not just about the horror, but why it’s happening.

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The Philippou brothers don’t hold back with the visuals—practical effects make it feel gritty and real, not like a cheap CGI trick. One scene had me literally holding my breath. It’s that intense. And yet, it’s not the gore that stays with you—it’s watching these kids try to stay close while the adults around them start acting stranger by the minute.

What’s Up With Laura Anyway?

Laura, played by Sally Hawkins (she’s amazing here, by the way), is sweet and scary at the same time. You never know if she’s just heartbroken from losing her own daughter—or if she’s hiding something much darker. Why is she obsessed with these old home videos that look like a low-budget satanic ritual? And why is she trying to split Andy and Piper apart?

Also, what is the deal with Ollie? He’s not just your average creepy movie kid. The things he does and eats… honestly, I still feel a little queasy. You just know something bad’s gonna happen when he’s around.

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“Bring Her Back” is messy, strange, and deeply emotional. It might not tie up every plot point with a neat bow, but that’s okay. It’s more about the feeling—that crawling, slow-burn tension that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Like the kind of horror that doesn’t just make you jump—it makes you feel.