Bring Her Back (2025)

Bring Her Back is a slow-burning elevated horror that leans into grief, gore, and occult horror more than traditional jump scares.

Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, the duo behind Talk to Me, the film feels more confident this time around. The pacing is tight, the tone never wavers, and there isn’t a single wasted scene. It’s got that A24 signature of letting dread simmer just under the surface while slowly turning up the volume. Brutal when it needs to be, but never flashy for the sake of it.

Billy Barratt takes the lead and does a solid job balancing emotion and shock. He plays it straight and raw, and while a few moments feel a bit much, it fits the role. He sells the trauma and anchors the early part of the story well.

Sally Hawkins brings a quiet intensity as the grieving mother. She’s best known for The Shape of Water, and here she uses that same subtle expression work to say more than any dialogue could. Her screen time is limited, but she leaves a lasting mark.

Jonah Wren Philips has the most demanding role as the possessed boy, and he handles it with surprising depth. His switches between fear, blankness, and full-on rage are convincing and eerie. It’s a tough performance, but he pulls it off and keeps you on edge every time he’s in frame.

Sora Wong plays the blind final girl and might be the real standout. Her performance is layered and restrained. She never leans into the blindness as a gimmick. Instead, she uses it to heighten the tension and showcase her character’s resilience. She absolutely owns the climax.

Bleak, brutal, and beautifully made. Result: B

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