Bring Her Back Features Sally Hawkins in a Dark Role

Sally Hawkins shines in a dark new film by rising directors Danny and Michael Philippou.

Sally Hawkins Delivers a Haunting Performance in Bring Her Back

Bring Her Back tells the story of Andy and his visually impaired younger sister, Piper, who experience a tragic loss when their father dies. They are taken in by social services and placed in a new foster home run by the eccentric Laura, played by Sally Hawkins. As the story unfolds, the film shifts from an ordinary family drama to a darker supernatural horror, exploring the unsettling nature of grief and the strange dynamics within the new household. While the film features moments of striking horror, including graphic scenes and psychological manipulation, it struggles with pacing and character development, particularly for Andy and Piper, who feel secondary to Hawkins' compelling performance.

The film's slow pace and reliance on familiar horror tropes might frustrate some viewers, yet Sally Hawkins' performance is a significant highlight. Her ability to blend warmth with an unsettling undercurrent brings depth to her character and keeps audiences engaged. The contrast between the siblings' muted grief and Laura's overwhelming sorrow raises intriguing questions about what makes a family and how trauma reshapes relationships. As audiences grapple with the tonal shifts, the film establishes itself as a thought-provoking entry in the horror genre.

Highlights

As the film progresses, its dark themes resonate long after the credits roll.