The horror genre is abuzz once again, and this time it’s thanks to Danny and Michael Philippou, the Australian directors who gained widespread acclaim for their harrowing debut, Talk to Me. The duo has returned with their next cinematic venture, Bring Her Back, a spine-chilling story that promises to combine supernatural thrills with gut-wrenching emotion.
If Talk to Me shook you to your core, their latest film will leave you questioning just how far you’d go to bring back a loved one—and at what cost. With its recently released trailer, Bring Her Back has already solidified itself as one of the most anticipated horror films of 2025. Let’s dig into what this film offers and why it’s on every horror fan’s radar.
a glimpse into Bring Her Back
While specific plot details are being kept tightly under wraps (as any good horror teaser would), the central story follows a brother and sister as they uncover a horrifying ritual while living in their new foster mother’s secluded home. The trailer effectively creates an eerie atmosphere, drenched in tension, that hints at themes of grief, loss, and moral boundaries.
Designed to haunt and provoke reflection, the Philippou brothers describe Bring Her Back as “a soul-shaking possession horror that cannot be unseen.” But this isn’t your average possession movie. It comes from a deeply personal place. During the trailer launch event, Danny Philippou shared how the sudden and devastating loss of a young family member influenced the story. This raw grief, in turn, became the emotional backbone of the film, lending it a weight rarely seen in the genre.
returning to horror roots
Fans of Talk to Me will recognize the Philippou brothers’ mastery in balancing devastating human emotion with relentless supernatural horror. Their new project levels up these elements, trading in Talk to Me’s terrifying seance sequences for a more intimate exploration of trauma and unyielding sorrow.
The trailer holds nothing back, giving audiences a taste of what lies ahead with flashes of unsettling visuals, violent confrontations, and glimmers of the dark allure of resurrection. The standout moment? A shocking glimpse of the foster mother performing an unnerving ritual, played to unsettling perfection by two-time Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins.
a star-studded cast
Bring Her Back stars renowned actress Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water, Blue Jasmine) in a rare foray into the horror genre. With a career built on impressively vulnerable performances, Hawkins breathes life into a character that seems both tormented and menacing, ensuring her portrayal will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.
Joining Hawkins is young talent Billy Barratt, best known for his role in Responsible Child, and visionary newcomer Sora Wong, whose casting as a vision-impaired character reflects an intentional effort toward greater authenticity on screen. Jonah Wren Phillips and Sally-Anne Upton round out the cast, bringing emotional complexity to this haunting tale of family dynamics gone awry.
The Philippous crafted a unique approach with their cast, opting to shoot chronologically to cultivate authentic chemistry and deepen the emotional connections between characters. This method undoubtedly amplifies the raw, heartfelt energy that defines their work.
themes that cut deep
Much like Hereditary and The Babadook, Bring Her Back ventures into horror’s darker thematic territory, exploring loss, grief, and the cycle of trauma. The Philippous push these universal struggles into a supernatural framework, juxtaposing deeply personal emotion with intensely chilling horror.
The idea of resurrection as a metaphor for unresolved mourning is encapsulated in a chilling sequence from the trailer. “The grief cycle never ends,” Danny Philippou remarked during the preview, adding that the film’s emotional intensity often outweighed its intended scares.
This fusion of terror and sentiment is poised to set Bring Her Back apart in a genre where emotional depth and jump scares rarely coexist.
an exciting next chapter for the philippous
The Philippou brothers have come a long way since their chaotic days on YouTube with RackaRacka. If ‘Talk to Me’ marked their stunning transition from internet pranksters to mature, visionary storytellers, ‘Bring Her Back’ solidifies their place as two of modern horror’s most compelling voices.
For fans eager for more from the duo, rest assured they’re not closing the door on future projects. A sequel to Talk to Me, ominously titled Talk 2 Me, is already in development. But for now, all eyes are on Bring Her Back as it promises to redefine what horror can achieve both emotionally and cinematically.
when can you watch Bring Her Back?
Mark your calendars, horror enthusiasts! Bring Her Back is slated for theatrical release on May 30, 2025, courtesy of A24. Given the Philippou brothers’ reputation for creating unforgettable theater experiences, this is one film you’ll want to catch on the big screen.
From its gut-wrenching emotional core to its chilling supernatural scares, Bring Her Back seems poised to haunt anyone daring enough to watch.