Bring Her Back (2025)

Following the death of their father (Stephen Phillips), a teenage boy (Billy Barratt) and his stepsister (Sora Wong) are placed by a social worker (Sally Anne Upton) with a foster mother (Sally Hawkins). Directed by Danny Philippou and Michael Philippou (TALK TO ME). I absolutely detested the Philippou brothers last horror film TALK TO ME and would have gladly passed on this one but the reviews were excellent so I went to the well for a second time. Unlike their lousy first film, this one actually has a reason to watch it and that's Sally Hawkins' performance. One has to admire her commitment to the role though I couldn't help wonder if the role was worth committing to. But like TALK TO ME, there was so much contrivance that didn't make sense. It's clear that Hawkins is batsh*t crazy when we first meet her and you immediately wonder how the system sees her as an acceptable foster mother. As the older brother, Barratt (who's marvelous) seems smart enough that he would size up the situation and get out of there immediately. But if he left with his sister, there would be no plot, would there? The film is gross but if you equal horror with being grossed out, then this is the movie for you! With Jonah Wren Phillips and Mischa Heywood.