A24's "Bring Her Back": The Next Big Horror Hit?
A24, the studio known for its unique and critically acclaimed films, is gearing up to release a new horror movie that's already generating buzz. "Bring Her Back" is being eyed as a potential successor to their record-breaking $91 million hit, "Talk to Me," from 2023.
Since its establishment in 2012, A24 has become a major player in independent entertainment, producing a string of successful movies, from the Oscar-winning "Everything Everywhere All At Once" to Ari Aster's chilling debut, "Hereditary." Their acquisition and distribution of "Talk to Me" after the 2023 Sundance Film Festival proved to be a smart move, becoming their highest-grossing horror film to date. Now, with "Bring Her Back" slated for release in 2025, expectations are high.
Similar Themes and Shared Creators
While details about "Bring Her Back's" plot are being kept largely under wraps, the trailers and available information suggest some thematic similarities to "Talk to Me." Both films are directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, who revealed that they wrote "Bring Her Back" concurrently with "Talk to Me," even interchanging characters between the projects. This shared creative process may explain the thematic overlaps.
Like "Talk To Me," "Bring Her Back" appears to center on young characters grappling with grief, specifically the recent loss of their mother. The film also seems to employ a revival ritual as a central plot device, allowing characters to bring back individuals from the afterlife – presumably with dire consequences.
It's important to note that "Bring Her Back" isn't a direct sequel to "Talk to Me." However, it can be considered a spiritual successor, building upon the themes and directorial style established in Danny and Michael Philippou's debut feature.
High Hopes for Another A24 Horror Success
The success of "Talk to Me" has positioned "Bring Her Back" as one of the most anticipated horror films of 2025. "Talk to Me" demonstrated the Philippou brothers' understanding of visual storytelling and audience engagement, honed from their years creating popular YouTube videos. The film's success proved their potential as mainstream filmmakers.
With "Bring Her Back," the directorial duo has the opportunity to solidify their position as influential figures in the horror genre. While they were previously linked to the upcoming "Street Fighter" reboot, they are no longer involved in that project. With "Talk to Me 2" already in development, the Philippou brothers seem committed to exploring the horror genre further.
While "Bring Her Back" may not be directly connected to the "Talk to Me" universe, the shared themes suggest that the Philippou brothers are capitalizing on their strengths. This makes it likely that, similar to "Talk to Me," "Bring Her Back" could set new records for A24 and potentially launch another successful horror franchise.
"Bring Her Back" stars Sally Hawkins, Billy Barratt, and Jonah Wren Phillips in a thriller that explores the desperate search for a missing person, uncovering complex relationships and dark secrets along the way.