Bring Her Back’ Review: Unsettling Foster Mother Like No Other

Get ready to have your nerves shredded because the latest horror offering from A24, “Bring Her Back,” is hitting theaters, and let’s just say, it redefines the term “unsettling foster mother” in the most chilling way imaginable. From the brilliant minds of Danny and Michael Philippou, the directors who brought us last year’s breakout hit “Talk to Me,” comes a psychological thrill ride that’s less about jump scares and more about a suffocating sense of dread.

The Plot

“Bring Her Back” introduces us to newly orphaned teenage siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), who, after a tragic loss, find themselves in the seemingly welcoming, albeit quirky, home of foster mother Laura, played with unsettling brilliance by the always-phenomenal Sally Hawkins. Forget the nurturing roles you’ve seen Hawkins in before; here, she embodies a character so subtly deranged, it’s genuinely unsettling. Her initial cheeriness quickly gives way to a disturbing eccentricity that will have you squirming in your seat.

The Philippou brothers skillfully weave a tale of grief, trauma, and a terrifying ritual that Laura is determined to see through, no matter the cost. As Andy, ever protective of his visually impaired sister Piper, begins to unravel Laura’s dark secrets, the film plunges into a deeply uncomfortable exploration of warped maternal instincts. There’s another, equally unsettling foster child, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), whose silent, eerie presence only adds to the unsettling atmosphere.

While the plot might feel familiar to horror aficionados (creepy foster parents, anyone?)The execution is anything but excellent. The Philippous, known for their visceral approach, dial up the psychological torment, punctuated by moments of truly gruesome body horror that are not for the faint of heart. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the ugly side of grief, transforming it into a monstrous force that drives Laura’s heinous actions.

Best Performance from Sally Hawkins

Sally Hawkins delivers a career-defining performance as Laura, balancing moments of disturbing manipulation with fleeting glimpses of a deeply tragic past. You’ll find yourself uncomfortably empathizing with her twisted motivations, even as her actions escalate to unimaginable levels. The young cast, particularly Billy Barratt and newcomer Sora Wong, also shine, anchoring the film with their raw and believable portrayals of vulnerable siblings caught in a nightmare.

“Bring Her Back” is a slow burn that builds an unrelenting atmosphere of unease. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, forcing you to confront the darkest corners of human grief and desperation. If you’re looking for a horror movie that’s less about cheap thrills and more about a deeply unsettling psychological experience, then “Bring Her Back” is a must-watch for your weekend viewing. Just be warned, you might think twice about accepting that next foster care placement.