A stylish but muddled horror drama that leans on shock and sorrow rather than storytelling
By James Verniere/Boston Movie News
From filmmaking brothers Danny and Michael Philippou of Adelaide, Australia, and the 2022 sleeper hit “Talk to Me” comes “Bring Her Back.” This follow-up effort is another genre entry. But, I’m afraid it lacks the catchy, embalmed-hand gimmick and the terrific lead actor Sophie Wilde, the breakout star of the film (“Talk 2 Me” is coming), although “Bring Her Back” has a great cast of its own. Despite such assets, however, this new film never really takes off.
Seventeen-year-old Andy (Billy Barratt) and his beloved, younger, vision-impaired stepsister Piper (the startlingly good, partially blind newcomer Sora Wong) lose their father in opening, disturbing and gratuitously gross scenes and are threatened with being separated by social services rep Wendy (Sally-Anne Upton, another asset). Andy prevails, and he and his sister are given the chance to prove they work together by being assigned to live with former counselor Laura (Englishwoman Sally Hawkins).
Piper can see shapes and light, and she does not like to use a cane. Andy, who has been in trouble in the past, is a great help to her. The two are very close and have a secret password (“grapefruit”), which means “truth.” Laura has recently lost a 12-year-old daughter, who drowned in their pool, which is left empty in the backyard, an obvious danger. Also staying at Laura’s house is a disturbed little boy named Oliver (played by a very game Jonah Wren Phillips), who is mute. Did I mention Laura’s stuffed dog?
The film’s screenplay, written by Danny Philippou and co-writer Bill Hinzman (“Talk to Me”), is the film’s weak link. It leaves many things too vague and is, at times, very derivative of Ari Aster’s 2018 breakout effort “Hereditary.” In a nutshell, Laura has some either insane or totally brilliant, if also diabolical, plan to resurrect her daughter, using Oliver and Piper in some devilish way.
The film’s extraordinary cast deserves nothing but praise. Hawkins delivers an operatic turn as the grieving, obviously insane Laura. Former child actor Barratt is a real find as the troubled, but loving big stepbrother. Making her screen debut, Wong, another great casting find by the Philippous, is absolutely radiant as Piper, although the role does not call for the psychological complexity that Wilde brought to “Talk to Me.” The “Bring Her Back” plot features animal cruelty, a horribly self-harming child and abuse of a corpse. Andy takes supplements and lifts weights. Aerial views reveal that Laura’s house in the boonies is surrounded by a big, chalk circle. Flashbacks reveal that Piper tried to resuscitate her and Andy’s dad, even though his face was covered in blood and puke. I know things are different Down Under. But does anyone think it’s a good idea for an adult to get Andy and Piper drunk?
“Bring Her Back” teases the idea that the supernatural is real, but never quite makes up its mind. Cinematography by the award-winning Aaron McLisky (“Talk to Me”) remains striking and eerie. But the editing by Geoff Lamb can be, again, gratuitously weird. A scene in which Laura tries to force Andy to kiss the lips of his father at his wake (“It’s custom”) grates. At times, “Bring Her Back” can be hideous and grotesque for no good reason. Some might say the same for “Hereditary,” but I never felt like Aster was screwing with me just for the hell of it. The things that happen in Aster’s film are terrifyingly meaningful. I wish I could say the same for “Bring Her Back,” Grapefruit.
‘Bring Her Back’
Rating: R for strong disturbing bloody violent content, some grisly images, graphic nudity, underage drinking and language.
Cast: Billy Barrett, Sora Wong, Sally Hawkins, Jonah Wren Phillips
Directors: Danny and Michael Philippou
Writers: Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman
Running time: 104 minutes
Where to Watch: In theaters
Grade: B-
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