Spoilers could use a break on the Horror genre.

We’re once more exploring grief through the lenses of horror. I must confess it was probably one too many or I was just taken aback. This is horror mixed with personal tragedy, grief and some rather excellent performances so I’ll give the filmmakers their due. It is an uncomfortable film to watch but also one I know will find its audience. Get ready to squirm in your seat.

(Credit: A24)

Bring Her Back (2025) was directed by Danny and Michael Philippou and written by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman. After facing the tragedy of losing their father, Andy (Billy Barratt) and step-sister Piper (Sora Wong), who is partially blind, are sent to live in a foster home. Their foster mother is Laura (Sally Hawkins) who already cares for another child named Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips). Laura is still mourning the death of her daughter Cathy. Olivier is mute and non-responsive and has a strange demeanor.

It is obvious from the start that Laura is creepily trying to undermine Andy in front of his sister and in general, becomes rather alienating under the guise of being nurture. Unfortunately the movie’s plot description gives away Laura’s true intentions which is why I’d rather not mention it. Technically you can see stuff coming a mile away. The golden feather in this movie’s cap is Sally Hawking’s deranged performance as obsessive Laura. But I also want to mention young Jonah Wren Phillips downright scary acting as the troubled and tortured Oliver.

Recommended only for fans of horror films dealing with grief but with reservations. This one is downright tragic without a satisfying cathartic payoff. The ending does not have that bloody poetic justice for an audience awaiting the downfall of the antagonist or at least not in the way one would hope. Still, keep it in your radar for a possible rainy day watchlist.

That will do for now.