Michael and Danny Philippou bring a unique and invigorating perspective to the horror genre with their latest film, Bring Her Back. Following their acclaimed directorial debut, Talk to Me, they have once again demonstrated that emotional stakes can enhance the horror experience. I had the opportunity to watch Bring Her Back in a packed theater, sitting in the front row—a spot notorious for its potential to ruin a cinematic experience. However, the film was absolutely mesmerizing, captivating my attention from start to finish. Stay tuned for a comprehensive review on JoBlo later this month, but for now, I can confidently say there is much to admire in this chilling exploration of loss. Additionally, the film has received a special promotional feature for Mother’s Day, which you can view above!
Following the screening, the audience was treated to a live stream interview with Michael and Danny, whose enthusiasm about the film was nothing short of contagious. As we approach the release date, discussions surrounding Sally Hawkins and her potential in the upcoming awards season are sure to intensify. Known for her remarkable performances, Ms. Hawkins imbues her character with a profound emotional depth that resonates throughout the film. Alongside her, a talented younger cast, including Billy Barrett, Jonah Reen Phillips, and debuting actress Sora Wong, delivers outstanding performances, enhancing the film’s overall impact. Here’s a glimpse of their thoughts on Hawkins:
“She was incredibly dedicated. I’ve never witnessed someone dissect a script in such a nuanced way and embody a character with such intensity. Each scene had multiple interpretations, which made the editing process challenging due to the abundance of incredible takes. Sally’s performance is remarkable in every scene. We meticulously analyzed every single line, ensuring every character was motivated to engage with her authentically. She truly lived and breathed her character, and it was her first time in this role, yet she was absolutely extraordinary.”
The beginning of the livestream took a more somber tone as Michael and Danny opened up about their personal experiences with grief. “This film serves as an outlet for expressing the complex emotions we all experience during times of loss. Viewing this through a horror lens, we explore the consuming nature of grief, which deeply affects Laura. She has the opportunity to heal, but ultimately succumbs to her pain. It’s a cathartic experience, both for her and for us. On set, we faced our own losses, including a close family friend, which made it crucial to channel those feelings into the film. The process allowed us to confront these emotions openly with Sally and our producers.”
The filmmakers elaborated on how their personal losses influenced the script and the film’s narrative, highlighting the cathartic nature of conveying these themes on screen. “As we worked on the script, scenes that were originally meant to evoke fear transformed into expressions of sadness. This evolution became one of the most significant aspects of the film. We aimed to shoot as much as possible in chronological order to maintain emotional continuity.”
When discussing influential films, Danny expressed his admiration for Bette Davis in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. “I’ve always been fascinated by psychological thrillers and films centered on complex characters. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane has always inspired me. Bette Davis, with her extraordinary ability to embody such intense characters, serves as my guiding star in cinema. I deeply appreciate films where actors truly immerse themselves in their roles.” Michael offered a contrasting source of inspiration, humorously stating, “I’m going to say Mouse Hunt.”
Regarding visual effects, the duo shared insights about their commitment to practical effects in their filmmaking process. “For this project, we employed two different makeup teams, fostering a healthy competition between them. We challenged them to outdo one another, ensuring that every detail, including a particularly impressive dead body effect, was executed to perfection. The results were stunning, and one team primarily focused on Oliver’s character and his unique makeup requirements.”
Michael and Danny’s palpable excitement to share their latest project with audiences is both refreshing and infectious. Their passion mirrors the enthusiasm displayed during the trailer reveal. In preparation for the screening, I intentionally avoided spoilers to preserve the film’s surprises. Given that the Q&A session followed the screening and contained insights that could potentially spoil the experience for future viewers, I believe it’s essential to respect the anticipation of those eagerly awaiting the film’s release. I can confidently say that Bring Her Back ranks among my most anticipated films of the year, and it certainly did not disappoint.
Bring Her Back will be haunting theaters on May 30th.
