When it comes to innovative horror, Michael and Danny Philippou are shaking things up. Their first feature, Talk to Me, did more than just frighten; it wove in emotional depth, proving that fear can intersect beautifully with heartfelt storytelling. With their new film, Bring Her Back, they dive even deeper into this approach. I had the thrill of experiencing it firsthand, crammed into a packed theater and sitting right at the front—a spot that often ruins the cinematic experience—but this film was nothing short of mesmerizing. Stay tuned for a full review on Nova Play later this month, but trust me, this chilling tale of loss has plenty to offer, especially now that it’s featured in a special Mother’s Day promotion!
After the screening, an exhilarating live stream chat took place with Michael and Danny, and their contagious enthusiasm was palpable. Discussions about the film’s impending release were buzzing, particularly around the performance of Sally Hawkins, who seems to already be a strong contender for awards this season. Her portrayal adds a profound emotional layer to a character you’ll find both compelling and complex. She shares the spotlight with a talented younger cast, including Billy Barrett, Jonah Reen Phillips, and Sora Wong in her striking debut. Here’s a glimpse of what the filmmakers had to say about Hawkins:
“Her dedication was astonishing. Witnessing someone dissect a script and fully inhabit a character like that was truly eye-opening. We had so many incredible interpretations of each scene, editing was a real challenge. Every single version showcased her brilliance. She didn’t just act; she became the character, and this marked her first venture into pure horror. Truly, she was phenomenal.”
Yet, the initial tone of the live stream was a bit heavier as the duo opened up about their own experiences with grief. “Expressing our feelings through film became our therapy. Grief is a powerful theme in horror, consuming Laura, the character, and giving her a choice—heal or succumb. It’s deeply cathartic, and the process mirrored our own experiences. We even lost a close family friend during filming, which became a crucial aspect of what we poured into this project.”
The filmmakers elaborated on how their raw emotions transformed the narrative. “Scenes initially meant to terrify morphed into ones steeped in sadness. Shooting in chronological order made it all the more real and expressive for us.”
When reflecting on classic films that shaped their vision, Danny couldn’t help but highlight Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. “I’ve always been captivated by chilling narratives. Bette Davis embodies everything I adore in characters—her intense performances serve as my guiding star.” In contrast, Michael’s inspiration stemmed from his childhood favorite: “I’ll go with Mouse Hunt.”
On the practical effects side of production, the duo explained their exciting process. “We had two competing makeup teams, which fueled creativity and rivalry. They wanted to outdo each other, especially with a dead body that looked spectacular. The results were astonishing!”
Michael and Danny’s palpable excitement to share Bring Her Back with the world is infectious, just as it was during the trailer launch. In preparing for the movie, I intentionally steered clear of spoilers and found myself thrilled after the Q&A that followed the screening—but I won’t spoil it for those who are anxiously awaiting. This film ranks among my most-anticipated releases this year—and believe me, it absolutely delivers.
Mark your calendars! Bring Her Back haunts cinemas starting on May 30th.
