In recent years, Australian horror film-makers have made significant strides in delivering spine-chilling stories that captivate audiences. With standout titles such as Late Night with the Devil, You Won’t Be Alone, You’ll Never Find Me, Sissy, and Leigh Whannell’s underrated Wolf Man reboot, the genre has seen a remarkable resurgence. One of the most notable entries is Talk to Me, a film that follows thrill-seeking teenagers who engage with spirits instead of indulging in recreational drugs. This marked the successful debut of Adelaide-born directors Danny and Michael Philippou, who are now back with their latest offering, Bring Her Back.
Bring Her Back shifts gears from the high-octane thrills typical of midnight movies, immersing viewers in a world heavy with dread, horror, and despair. The film features an exceptionally disturbing performance by Sally Hawkins, who portrays Laura—a foster mother with a dark past. Laura’s character is layered; she is a former social worker who takes in two teenagers, Piper (played by Sora Wong) and her older brother Andy (Billy Barratt), after they discover their father's lifeless body in the bathroom. This unsettling beginning sets the tone for a story steeped in emotional turmoil and psychological tension.
As the narrative unfolds, we learn that Andy is just three months shy of being old enough to be Piper's guardian, leading them to seek refuge with Laura, who also looks after another foster child named Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips). Oliver is the quintessential creepy kid, complete with a shaved head, a haunting gaze, and a mute demeanor that leaves viewers on edge. The film cleverly hints at Laura’s unsettling intentions, creating an atmosphere of suspense that keeps audiences guessing.
Sally Hawkins’ performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. She masterfully navigates the emotional spectrum of her character, embodying a woman torn between desperate need and intense longing. The film's script, co-written by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman, artfully obscures Laura's true motivations, enhancing the film's aura of dread. Hawkins’ portrayal is both coy and compelling, making it difficult to pin down the exact nature of her character's troubled psyche.
The auditory experience of Bring Her Back is equally captivating, thanks to Cornel Wilczek’s haunting score, which seems to channel the very essence of the supernatural. The film employs sound and visual motifs, such as circles, to imply dark magic and rituals. The use of VHS tapes to depict disturbing visions from the past adds a nostalgic yet eerie touch, placing the film in a realm where technology and horror intertwine.
Water serves as a powerful symbol throughout the film, representing both cleansing and emotional turmoil. In a striking visual accomplishment, the Philippous turn this element into a metaphorical devil’s rain, signifying unrelenting emotional pressure. Key scenes juxtapose water in overwhelming abundance with moments of stark dryness, enhancing the film's unsettling atmosphere. For instance, the grim scene where Piper and Andy discover their father’s body is amplified by water gushing from the shower, creating a fog of death that lingers in the viewer's mind.
Bring Her Back undoubtedly showcases the artistry and craftsmanship of its creators. However, it also leaves the audience questioning the emotional toll of the experience. As the credits roll, viewers may find themselves grappling with haunting images that linger long after leaving the cinema. While the film's exploration of horror is profound, it raises the question: Does experiencing such darkness enrich our lives, or does it leave us irrevocably tarnished? Regardless, the artistic merit and emotional depth of Bring Her Back make it a must-watch for horror enthusiasts seeking a thought-provoking cinematic journey.
