Bring Her Back: Twisted, Terrifying, and Too good to Miss
To know me is to know that I have a love–hate relationship with A24. When they get it right, the results are unforgettable—Hereditary, Pearl, and MaXXXine are proof of their brilliance. But then there are films like Men and Midsommar that leave me wondering, what did I just watch? Still, that unpredictability is part of the thrill; A24 rarely leaves you indifferent.
So when I came across the trailer for Bring Her Back, directed by the Philippou brothers—the same duo who gave us the disturbingly good Talk to Me—I was instantly locked in. I had the pleasure of seeing it at Gemstone, a theater that thankfully spared me the usual distraction of audience members laughing through serious moments. This one demanded silence, and it earned it.
The story begins with two siblings, Andy and Piper, who are suddenly forced to confront the tragic death of their father. Thrown into the foster care system, they meet Wendy, who promises them stability by introducing them to Laura, a woman who quickly proves to be quirky, eccentric, and oddly endearing. At first, Laura’s sense of humor and personality seem harmless, but as the siblings settle into their new home, something feels just slightly…off.
Then comes Ollie, a boy described as “selectively mute,” whose quiet presence radiates an unsettling aura. Strange occurrences soon follow: Andy wakes to find he’s wet the bed without explanation; Ollie is mysteriously locked away whenever Laura leaves. The house itself seems to breathe unease.
For me, what made this film so unnerving was its exploration of abuse—both emotional and physical—and the darker sides of human nature. It doesn’t shy away from heavy themes, but what struck me just as strongly was how much it’s also a story about love. The love between a brother and sister, the bond between a mother and child, and the lengths we go to protect those we hold closest all come to the surface in unsettling ways. As disturbing as some moments are, I believe certain parents may find themselves empathizing with the decisions made—not necessarily agreeing with them, but understanding how grief and desperation could lead someone down such a path. Once you’ve seen the film, I think that perspective will make more sense.
On a second viewing, the film revealed hidden details I missed the first time—subtle touches that enrich its themes of grief and trauma. Andy’s storyline, in particular, is a turbulent spiral. Haunted by his past, he’s weighed down by recurring water imagery that symbolizes both fear and unresolved pain. Laura, meanwhile, having lost her own daughter, clings to her grief in destructive ways. Her desperation to replace what she’s lost grows so consuming that the story gradually peels back a horrifying truth. Some viewers may be able to sense where the plot is heading, but few could predict the striking imagery or just how twisted certain choices become. Even seasoned horror fans are likely to leave with something unexpected—and deeply unsettling.
Like most A24 films, Bring Her Back is a wild ride for anyone willing to take the journey. It isn’t just another horror release; it’s a layered and unnerving story about grief, obsession, and the lengths people will go to fill the void of loss. Disturbing at times, yes—but disturbingly good. I’d definitely recommend seeing this one in cinemas, because the atmosphere and experience add so much to the impact. And once you do, we’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to share your feedback with us on Instagram.