There was a time when an A24 film was an event. Now, between them and Neon, every film is an indie winner. But… doesn’t that make it mainstream? So, is it only an independent film if it’s done by someone other than A24 or Neon? I’m so confused.
Let’s see what the fine folks at Wikipedia have to say about this film (please donate to them if you can):
Bring Her Back is a 2025 Australian supernatural folk horror film directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, the former of whom co-wrote the screenplay with Bill Hinzman. It stars Billy Barratt, Sora Wong, Jonah Wren Phillips, and Sally Hawkins. The film follows two step-siblings who find themselves orphaned and placed in the middle of an occult ritual by their new foster mother.
Bring Her Back was theatrically released by Sony Pictures Releasing International in Australia on 29 May 2025. The film received positive reviews, with Hawkins’s performance being highlighted for praise, and grossed $39.1 million[2][3] on a budget of $15 million.[4]
The Rev-iew:
I was both looking forward to and scared to death of watching this film. The last movie I watched by these directors/writers/crew disturbed me deeply. “Talk To Me” is no joke, especially if you spent a decade of your life deep-diving the paranormal. It felt disrespectful toward the dead, and that shook me to my core.
Now, we have the Philippou version of a witchcraft film, and I couldn’t wait for it to end. Every minute of this film is an uncomfortable moment surrounded by extreme body horror and intrigue. I guessed the plot early on, but wasn’t prepared for the delivery.
Paranormal family anxiety films have become their own genre. I’m not sure why, but they make me cringe. Truth be told, every family has skeletons in their closets (some have entire cemeteries). This one unraveled quickly, but not without its WTF moments. Several of them.
If you’re into gore and tradition special effects, this will be up your alley. Also, if you like non-traditional paranormal mysteries, this may be your thing as well. It would help if you were a fan of both, though. You’re not allowed to have one without the other here because they’re normally happening at the same time!
I didn’t like this film as much as Talk To Me (which I had to watch in two parts due to anxiety), but it’s not a bad film. I just can’t imagine rewatching it again anytime soon. Maybe bits and pieces just to freak out guests. If you’ve seen one well-off, witchy, wealthy weirdo screw up her family, you’ve seen them all.
Hereditary did it better.
3 out of 5 broken teeth
The Gonzo Wolf 
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