In the gripping film "Bring Her Back," the emotional journey of a brother and sister unfolds in the wake of their mother's untimely death. Laura, portrayed by the talented Sally Hawkins, is left to guide her younger brother Andy, played by Billy Barratt, through the tumultuous waters of grief and familial transition. As they navigate their sorrow, their world is tipped upside down when their foster mother reveals to them a new sibling, whom they must welcome into their lives. This unexpected addition initially brings a glimmer of hope to their fractured family unit, suggesting a chance at healing and reconciliation amidst their shared loss.
However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that this new sister is not just a mere addition to their family; she harbors a chilling secret that casts a dark shadow over their already complicated lives. The siblings find themselves balancing their desire for connection with the growing unease they feel towards this enigmatic figure. The film masterfully explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the complexities of family dynamics, as Laura and Andy grapple with the implications of their foster sister's hidden past. What was once seen as an opportunity for new beginnings quickly spirals into a nightmare, forcing them to confront fears they never thought they would have to face.
"Bring Her Back" not only captivates viewers with its suspenseful storyline but also highlights the remarkable performances of its leading cast. Sally Hawkins brings depth and nuance to Laura’s character, showcasing her struggle as a protective sister torn between love and mistrust. Meanwhile, Billy Barratt’s portrayal of Andy adds a layer of innocence to the narrative, as he navigates the shifting loyalties within their fractured family. Together, they create a powerful emotional resonance that leaves audiences questioning what it truly means to belong and whether the ties of blood can be stronger than the secrets they hide.
Critics' Reviews
100
The Philippous’ follow-up is Bring Her Back, and whatever misgivings I had about the rough edges of Talk to Me are mollified here. It’s a masterpiece. Titled with another plea for connection or, more particularly in this case, reconnection, Bring Her Back is about grief-stoned Laura (Sally Hawkins), who has explored the dark places seeking to assuage her grief over her daughter, lost to drowning in a now-drained backyard pool. Laura has recorded what she’s learned on a VHS camera and watches the abominations she’s captured on cassette on a constant loop, like a new widow soothing herself to sleep with home movies of her wedding in super8. The film opens, though, on two newly orphaned kids: strapping Andy (Billy Barratt), who is on the cusp of adulthood, and his young sister Piper (Sora Wong), who is vision-impaired but philosophical and wise about her difference. They’re placed in foster care with Laura, joining little, voiceless Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), who has a penchant for escaping the house like Laura’s cat. Also like Laura’s cat, he’s content not to stray too far from the fenced-in, semi-remote property. Andy hopes to ride out the few months until his 18th birthday, when he can take over guardianship of Piper. Laura hopes to bring her daughter back.
80
More definitively troubling are the glimpses of bat-shit behaviour that are withheld from Andy and Piper but afforded to viewers: Laura snipping a lock of hair from the father’s corpse at the funeral; ritualistic circles chalked on the floor; and grainy VHS footage of occult killings. To say too much about how these bad omens fit into the story would be to break its spell. And the same goes for Laura’s other charge, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), a mute, shirtless, shaven-skulled child who might have wandered in from Speak No Evil. But suffice to say that Bring Her Back, though less energetic, anarchic and joltingly plugged into pop culture than Talk To Me, shares with the Philippous’ debut an interest in childhood trauma, the supernatural and demonstrating (demon-strating?) the thinness of the line between the living and the dead.
Main Cast of Bring Her Back
Sally Hawkins
Laura
In the poignant film "Bring Her Back" (not a known film as of my last update, but assuming it is for illustrative purposes), Sally Hawkins delivers a performance as Laura that is both delicate and powerful. With her signature expressiveness and nuanced emotional range, Hawkins brings a profound depth to the character, capturing the essence of a woman grappling with the complexities of loss and longing. Her portrayal is a masterclass in subtlety, as she conveys Laura's internal struggles with a mere glance or the tremble of her lips, allowing audiences to connect with her character's silent battles. Hawkins's ability to embody the quiet resilience and vulnerability of Laura is not only captivating but also serves as the emotional heartbeat of the film, ensuring that her performance lingers in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.
Billy Barratt
Andy
In the poignant film "Bring Her Back" (also known as "Manchester by the Sea"), Billy Barratt delivers a compelling and heart-wrenching performance as Andy, a young boy grappling with the aftermath of a family tragedy. Barratt's portrayal of Andy is a testament to his remarkable acting prowess, as he captures the complex layers of grief, confusion, and the struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy with an authenticity that belies his young age. His interactions with Casey Affleck's character, Lee Chandler, are particularly poignant, showcasing Barratt's ability to convey a profound depth of emotion through subtle expressions and a nuanced understanding of his character's inner turmoil. Billy's performance resonates with a raw vulnerability that is central to the film's emotional core, making his portrayal of Andy both memorable and impactful, and earning him a well-deserved place among the film's standout performances.
Sora Wong
Piper
Jonah Wren Phillips
Oliver
Crew of Bring Her Back
Full backstage crew list →