BRING HER BACK -- Paddington Got Off Lucky

Review by Adam Donato

Talk To Me was quite the surprise hit for first time Australian directors Danny and Michael Philippou. It took a familiar horror setup and made it feel fresh. The second time around they get a legit actor to star in their film. Sally Hawkins headlines Bring Her Back as an unsettling foster parent who has dark secrets of her own. The story follows two children, an older brother played by Billy Barratt who feels responsible for taking care of his blind younger sister played by Sora Wong. With a mystery movie debut, can this sophomore feature continue the momentum for the Philippou brothers?

Bring Her Back also deals with a familiar horror setup, but where it stands apart is just how far it is willing to go and the performances from the three leads. This movie is disgusting in all the best ways for a horror movie. There are multiple scenes that will have audiences covering their eyes from the screen. It’s all purposeful within the narrative as well. The fact that they were able to pull off some of these sequences with children is impressive. While the scares overall aren’t very lasting, this movie will have you squirming in your seat with how uncomfortable it is.

Sally Hawkins is a wonderful actress. It’s really cool seeing her in this type of role because it really contrasts the image that she has for herself right now, especially after her work with Paul King on the Paddington movies and also her iconic lead role in The Shape of Water. She’s such a loving and quirky actress, but seeing her utilize that side of herself for evil is haunting. While some of her antics are unbelievable, there are other things that are so crazy over the line. She steals the movie by the third act and doesn’t let go. It’s important for actors to subvert their image from time to time as it can be very effective.

Barratt has some major projects under his filmography, but definitely isn’t a name yet. He does a good job here, but the big shoutout is to his two younger costars. Wong as noted before, but also Jonah Wren Phillips who plays Hawkins’ other child are both great. There’s a lot of makeup involved in Phillips’ character and he pulls it off. There’s a specific sequence where he utilizes a knife in such a horrific manner of self harm that is not to be missed. It’s crazy that kids can pull off scenes and situations like this. Child actors are usually the worst part of movies, but here they’re an extra feather in the movie’s cap.

Bring Her Back delivers the goods for a gross out horror movie and has some admirable performances. The scares lean more uncomfortable than anything else, making for a rough viewing experience. It is also similar in flavor to Talk To Me so it will be interesting to see if these two will evolve going forward. They are attached to a sequel to Talk To Me, but whatever they do after is sure to be a big swing that will be anticipated. Horror is great genre to get a start in and they’re on a solid track going forward.

Bring Her Back is in theaters on May 30. 

Rating: 3/5