Bring Her Back review: A deeply disturbing film that makes you shiver with uncomfortably grusome visuals

Rating: 4.5/5                   Suyog Zore

If you like watching disturbing psychological thriller movies then 'Bring Her Back' a psychological horror film by Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou, is most likely the ideal pick for you to watch. However, the excruciatingly gory scenes in this deeply disturbing movie will also cause your heart rate to rise. 'Bring Her Back' is undoubtedly one of the few films that leaves an indelible impression on all who see it. The film begins with a terrifying VHS tape video of an occult resurrection ritual performed by amateur Russians.

The most disturbing aspect of this movie, is that whatever we see in the movie is not improbable; rather, it is quite comparable to reality, notably the mass executions and human sacrifices carried out in the past and even now to serve the god of fanatical cults. Drowning and strangulation were used in certain civilisations, and this is exactly what happens in this film about two step-siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and partially blind Piper (Sora Wong) who are orphaned after death of their father. The siblings are placed in the care of their new temporary foster mother, Laura (Sally Hawkins), since Andy, who is just three months away from turning 18, does not want to be separated from Piper. Additionally, Laura has a foster child named Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), who is ten years old. She lives in a wooded area outside of the city. There is a padlocked hut and a triangle-shaped pool.

Laura is clearly battling with something, as evidenced by her attempt to mask it beneath her grin. Oliver's unusual behaviour and abrupt mood changes contribute to the gloomy atmosphere. 'Bring Her Back' is a slow-burn psychological horror, hence it does take it's time to move the plot forward. Andy, Piper, and Laura are introduced in the opening moments. Piper is a caring girl who believes in everyone. Andy genuinely cares about his sister and will do anything to keep her safe. He is also making an effort to forget about his abusive father's violent history. The grief of children who have lost their father is also shown for a significant amount of runtime. Laura, who lost her 12-year-old daughter in the triangle-shaped swimming pool, is likewise devastated and will stop at nothing to see her again.

This slow-burn becomes increasingly eerie and frightening after Andy gradually begins to feel a little uneasy about Laura's odd behaviour, particularly her developing interest in Piper. She gradually removes the thin cover of a nice and hopeful loving woman, revealing her actual manipulating and malicious side. The film's biggest merit is that, despite its vivid and disturbing images, the directors make it appear plausible. It tests the audience's emotional and physical limitations, eliciting a collective sensation of fear, especially because it raises questions about what would truly happen and how you would react if you were in the step-siblings' place. 

'Bring Her Back' doesn't shy away from depicting brutal violence. Even seasoned horror and slasher aficionados will look away or wince in disgust at some of the scenes. Despite the brutality and gore, the film remains a poignant and effective story about dealing with grief and loss. Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman deserve all of the credit and acclaim for crafting a distinct psychological horror picture that is claustrophobic, unsettling, and disturbing, in an unholy sense. 

Before being cast in the film, Sora Wong had "zero experience" acting professionally. She is blind in her left eye and has severely restricted vision in her right. As a blind girl who easily trusts everyone, she does an excellent job. Billy Barratt convincingly depicts a brother's inner agony as he goes to tremendous measures to protect his sister safe. He gently demonstrates an emotionally disturbed state of mind. Jonah Wren Phillip, who portrays the mute Oliver, doesn't get as much screen time as one might assume based on the trailer. His portrayal of a ten-year-old child who doesn't even mind injuring himself is excellent. Because of his propensity to hurt himself, you adore him but are also terrified of what he might do next. Johan has also done an excellent job of portraying the viciousness of self-harming children who seem to be possessed by a sadistic and evil spirit. Andy's journey is complicated in the film. He starts to worry about Laura's capacity to control him in addition to attempting to move past his father's possibly violent history. Billy Barratt adds a lot of authenticity and authenticity to his character. 

Laura, played by Sally Hawkins, is the film's most memorable character. She wonderfully represents a woman who conceals her dark side. She enthusiastically embraces both the wickedness of the proceedings and the darkness of her persona. However, she never allows the theatricality of her work to overshadow the compassion of the subject. In fact, certain scenes make you feel sympathetic towards her.

'Bring Her Back' is deeply disturbing film about desperation and bereavement with unsettlingly violent imagery.

Cast: Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillip, Sally Hawkins

Writers: Danny Philippou, Bill Hinzman

Directors: Danny Philippou, Michael Philippou



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