The Bring Her Back release date is fast approaching, and horror fans are buzzing with anticipation for this unsettling new film from A24. Directed by the Philippou brothers, Danny and Michael, who made waves with their 2023 hit Talk to Me, this psychological horror promises to dive deep into the raw terror of grief. Set to hit theaters on May 30, 2025, in the US and May 29 in the UK and Australia, the film has already sparked intense reactions with its trailers and early screenings. Starring Sally Hawkins as a grieving foster mother, Bring Her Back is shaping up to be a haunting exploration of loss and desperation, wrapped in a visceral, dread-soaked package. Let’s unpack the latest details about this film, from its release timeline to the spine-chilling trailers and what critics are saying about its impact.
Bring Her Back Release Date: When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars: the Bring Her Back release date is locked in for May 30, 2025, in US theaters, with a slightly earlier debut on May 29 in the UK and Australia. A24, known for delivering genre-defining horror like Hereditary and Midsommar, is distributing the film, ensuring a wide theatrical release. The movie runs for 1 hour and 39 minutes and carries an R rating for its “strong disturbing bloody violent content, some grisly images, graphic nudity, underage drinking, and language.” Early screenings, including a Mother’s Day event hosted by the Philippous, have already taken place in 13 cities, with Bloody Disgusting reporting overwhelming audience reactions. No streaming release has been confirmed yet, so theaters are your best bet to experience this nightmare firsthand. Check local listings closer to the date for showtimes, as A24 is pushing hard to make this a must-see cinematic event.
Trailers That Haunt: A Glimpse into Bring Her Back
The Bring Her Back trailers have horror fans squirming in their seats. A24 dropped the second official trailer on May 15, 2025, packed with rave reviews from outlets like Fangoria, which called it a film that “follows you home.” The trailers tease a story of two siblings, Andy and Piper, who, after their father’s sudden death, move into the secluded home of their foster mother, Laura, played by Sally Hawkins. Lines like “There’s something wrong with Laura” and “We can bring her back” set the tone for a disturbing ritual tied to Laura’s deceased daughter, Kathy. The footage hints at dark witchcraft, VHS tapes of cult-like rituals, and a mute foster child, Oliver, whose zombie-like behavior fuels some of the film’s most gruesome moments. GeekTyrant noted “Pet Sematary vibes,” while CinemaBlend warned that the practical effects create “flesh-ripping, blood-pouring” scenes that aren’t for the faint-hearted. These trailers, paired with teasers from February and April 2025, have built a feverish hype for the film’s release.
| Trailer Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| First Teaser (Feb 19, 2025) | Introduced Sally Hawkins as Laura, hinting at her unsettling grief. Posted by @Wario64 on X. |
| Preview Trailer (Apr 20, 2025) | Showcased the eerie line, “Do you want to meet an angel?” Shared by @letterboxd and @BDisgusting. |
| Second Official Trailer (May 15, 2025) | Featured critic quotes and gory glimpses of the ritual, hyping the May 30 release. |
Bring Her Back Release Date Buzz: Critic and Fan Reactions
As the Bring Her Back release date nears, critics are raving about its raw intensity. The film debuted with a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, with 23 reviews aggregated by May 16, 2025, praising its “gnarly, genuine terror.” Discussing Film called it a “brutal tale of grief and loss” that offers both chills and emotional depth, while Bloody Disgusting described it as “visceral and brutal” but warned of its unrelenting dread. Sally Hawkins’ performance as Laura, a foster mother driven to horrific acts by love, has been a standout. Variety lauded her “spectacular fear and loathing,” and CinemaBlend called her “psychotically good.” Fans on X, like @A24 and @bringherbackmov, have amplified the hype, posting about the film’s “f*cked up” moments and its ability to linger long after the credits roll. However, some reviews, like IndieWire’s, noted that the film’s grief theme feels familiar, though its practical effects and Hawkins’ acting elevate it above typical horror fare.
The Story and Themes: Grief Turned Grotesque
Bring Her Back centers on Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong), siblings thrust into foster care after their father’s tragic death. Their new foster mother, Laura, seems warm at first, but her inability to cope with the loss of her daughter, Kathy, unravels into a terrifying ritual. The film explores how grief can distort reality, pushing Laura to dark, witchy extremes to resurrect her child. A creepy housemate, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips), adds to the unease with his mute, unsettling presence and gory outbursts. The Philippous, known for their YouTube channel RackaRacka, draw from personal loss to craft a story that’s both harrowing and heartfelt. Hollywood Reporter noted the film’s “somber atmospherics” over jump scares, while ScreenRant praised its claustrophobic setting, making the house feel as suffocating as the characters’ emotions. This blend of personal tragedy and supernatural horror sets Bring Her Back apart as a character-driven chiller.
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Behind the Scenes: The Philippou Brothers’ Vision
Danny and Michael Philippou, the Australian twins behind Talk to Me, bring their signature style to Bring Her Back. Co-written by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman, the script was developed alongside Talk to Me, showing their knack for weaving grief into horror. The brothers lean heavily on practical effects, with CBR praising the “disturbingly lifelike” gore that outdoes even Talk to Me’s grotesque moments. Cinematographer Aaron McLisky and sound designer Emma Bortignon create a textured, dread-filled atmosphere, amplifying the film’s unsettling tone. The Philippous’ personal touch—having lost a relative and friend before production—infuses the story with authenticity, making it a cathartic exploration of loss. IGN noted that while the film doesn’t always clarify its mythology, the performances, especially Hawkins’, anchor its emotional weight. The brothers are also working on Talk 2 Me, but Bring Her Back cements their status as horror’s new visionaries.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Bring Her Back
With its Bring Her Back release date just weeks away, the film promises to be a gut-punch for horror lovers and a showcase for Sally Hawkins’ range. Its blend of visceral scares, practical effects, and deep emotional resonance makes it a standout in A24’s horror lineup. Critics have warned that its graphic content—think flesh-ripping, blood-soaked scenes—might be too much for casual viewers, but genre fans will revel in its intensity. The trailers alone have sparked a frenzy, and early screenings suggest it’s a film that sticks with you, for better or worse. Whether you’re drawn to the Philippous’ bold direction or Hawkins’ chilling performance, this is one horror flick you won’t want to miss on the big screen.
Ready to face the terror of Bring Her Back? Grab your tickets for the May 30, 2025, release and brace yourself for a haunting ride. Follow @A24 and @bringherbackmov on X for the latest updates, and let us know in the comments what you’re most excited about—Sally Hawkins’ performance or the Philippous’ gory vision!