My excitement was huge after TALK TO ME, given the Philippou brothers' original and startling horror approach, so I eagerly awaited their next film. I figured I’d be in for a jarring experience, but nothing prepares you for BRING HER BACK, which really embodies the idea of a "difficult watch." It's an extremely unsettling and disturbing movie, containing some of the most upsetting and visually impactful moments seen recently. The makeup and prosthetics are truly exceptional; their graphic work is so realistic it’s deeply affecting, regardless of how much horror you typically enjoy. Danny and Michael Philippou once again prove their skill as storytellers, using a direct “show, don't tell” method that respects the audience's ability to understand a complex story. The central plot isn’t quite as intricate as their first film, but the careful control of atmosphere and rhythm creates an almost unbearable feeling of suspense, thanks in large part to the excellent performances. Sally Hawkins is reliably great, though it's the younger actors—Sora Wong and Billy Barratt leading the way, with Jonah Wren Phillips also delivering a memorably creepy performance—who really carry the film’s dark emotional weight. What moves this beyond simple shock horror into something truly meaningful is its harsh exploration of themes. It's a story about how unresolved sadness can become destructive and spread, changing a mother's affection into an awful, obsessive drive that continues patterns of mistreatment. The supernatural aspects work as a symbolic representation of the very real problems of losing someone’s identity and the helplessness of kids in foster care, exploited by adults who are trying to mend their own emotional pain. Andy, our voice of reason, grounds the story as he tries to protect his blind stepsister, Piper, from Laura's frightening manipulation—a woman whose overwhelming grief leads her to do terrible things. It’s a complicated and upsetting relationship that is almost flawlessly done, except for one noticeable choice about what happens to a character which feels included just to provoke a reaction rather than add anything important to the story. Even so, this is a small problem in an otherwise outstanding film. A remarkable and necessary horror movie, as thought-provoking as it is visually frightening. Rating: A-

Source on TMDB