DVD Corner

Bring Her Back Blu-ray Review

“Bring Her Back” is a punishing horror film.  

Written by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman, “Bring Her Back” revolves around a teenager (Andy) and his partially blind step-sister (Piper) who find themselves becoming orphans after their father passes away. Andy and Piper are placed in the care of an oddball former counselor turned foster mother (Laura) who is definitely harboring some secrets (to put it mildly). Laura is also taking care of a peculiar mute boy named Oliver. Andy becomes very suspicious of Laura’s behavior and for good reason. Laura lost her daughter in the past and is attempting to bring her back through rituals involving demonic possession and finding the right vessel for her daughter’s resurrection. Can Laura’s heinous plan be stopped?

Directors Danny and Michael Philippou follow up their horror hit “Talk To Me” with a new A24 horror film (“Bring Her Back”). Much like “Talk To Me,” “Bring Her Back” is a film filled with ideas and style, but neither film really pans out in the end to this reviewer. For some horror fans, it will feel like a refreshingly bold, risky and nasty little horror movie. To others like myself, it comes across as an ugly and uncomfortable horror movie that does not sit well. Sure, it pushes boundaries, but this messed up story about loss is more punishing than anything else. Whether we’re seeing poor Oliver being possessed or seeing Laura frame Andy, the Philippou’s seem more concerned with not so subtle shock value instead of crafting a deeper story.

On the plus side, the film features first rate acting. Sally Hawkins takes on a VERY different role as a deeply deranged foster mother who can’t overcome her own grief towards the loss of her daughter. Hawkins is so good here that you’ll be hard pressed not to feel both enraged and physically ill by her character’s nefarious and warped actions. Sora Wong (Piper) and Billy Barratt (Andy) are the heart of the movie and these young actors really sell the roles and the horrors they endure. They really hold their own in dealing with the challenging material. Jonah Wren Phillips also deserves high praise here as Oliver (who goes through literal hell).

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.00:1 1080p. How does it look? The Blu-ray offers up a pristine print. Note: This title is also available on 4K.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? The Atmos track hits all the right notes.

Extras:
* 1 deleted scene titled “Ding Dong Dash.”
* Commentary by Danny and Michael Philippou
* “Coming Full Circle”- A 19 minute featurette that contains set footage, interviews (including Sora Wong, Sally Hawkins and Danny and Michael Philippou), and discussions about the production, characters and themes.
* 6 post cards
* Easter egg of the VHS tape played in the film.

August 23, 2025 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | A24, Bring Her Back Blu-ray Review, Horror Film, Sally Hawkins