In a follow-up to Talk to Me, Danny and Michael Philippou’s Bring Her Back was the title for Cineworld’s eighth Secret Screaming.
The new film stars Billy Barratt and Sora Wong as Andy and Piper, siblings that must go into foster care after discovering their father dead in the shower. They are taken in by Laura (Sally Hawkins), a grieving mother who wishes to use Piper as a part of her occult resurrection ritual.
Not set to be released until August 1, attendees of the Bring Her Back Secret Screaming enjoyed (although that might be the wrong word for it) advanced screening – and had plenty to say, namely that you’ll never be able to look at Sally Hawkins the same way again.
One thing we have to get out of the way before we proceed: Yes, that is Sally Hawkins, the actress that plays Mrs Brown in Paddington.
No, you will never be able to watch Paddington the same way again after you see Bring Her Back, as stated by X user Matthew Kennedy.
Don't think I'll look at Paddington's mum the same way again
— Matthew Kennedy (@badcorpse) July 7, 2025
And Matthew wasn’t the only one scarred by this casting choice.
I’ll never watch Paddington the same way ever again. Very good watch though! 👏
— Tel (@TelTalks) July 7, 2025
Very good film. Can't believe Paddington mom could be that evil
— Carl Jackson (@CarlfromWolves) July 8, 2025
We’re not in Peru anymore, the Bring Her Back attendees still seemed to be unanimous in how impeccable Sally Hawkin’s portrayal was of Laura, foster parent to Andy and Piper, and grieving mother of her own blind daughter Cathy.
Brilliant film, but seriously disturbing! A phenomenal performance from Sally Hawkins and a big departure from her role in Paddington!
— Vanessa Gilmartin ( Garrity) RNMH She/Her (@VanessaRNMH) July 7, 2025
Not what is was expecting, more creepy than screaming, some shocking and unnerving moments, but the star of the film has to be Sally Hawkins for her superb performance as the grieving mother.
— Blazing Minds (@BlazingMinds) July 7, 2025
Chilling, disconcerting horror with a tour de force performance by Sally Hawkins playing very much against top. I knew nothing about this going in other than the title & the directors but god what an emotional rollercoaster it was. The most unsettling messed up film of the year.
— The Fourth Dimension (@Mike_J_Lord) July 7, 2025
Talk To Me was definitely a hard act to follow as one of A24’s highest grossing horror movies, but many felt this was another success from the Philippou’s.
Bring Her Back was simply phenomenal. One of the best films of the year and one of the best psychological horrors. The Philippou brothers have made another phenomenal horror film with this. I was horrified by it yet I absolutely loved it so much. What a film. Thank you for this!!
— Po Muad'Dib (@posaidwhat) July 7, 2025
Absolute chiller of a second film from the Philippou’s. Absolutely disturbing and demented in all the right ways. I was also taken aback by how well it approached grief. Sally Hawkins shines.
— Kyle Snape (@kylemsnape) July 7, 2025
Wow, a real step up from the already excellent Talk To Me. The Philippou brothers are not afraid to push the boundaries of what an audience will accept. Bravo!
— Peter Sisson (@velvetcactus198) July 7, 2025
Hopefully it proves another box office success, because it looks like the Philippou brothers could have a couple of IOUs to a lot of their fans.
Disturbing and grim! The Phillipou Brothers will be receiving my therapy bills. Incredible film!
— TheBatBen (@TheBatBen) July 7, 2025
I am traumatised and need to watch the My Little Pony movie or something. But it was fantastic! So tense and horrific.
— Victoria (@MissQueenVee) July 7, 2025
One thing is for sure, Bring Her Back is absolutely haunting – as surely only the best horror should be?!
incredible. soul crushing. brilliant. my heart is in pieces. so many feelings.
— gummy🩷 (@gummybearrxo) July 7, 2025
Lovely stuff. Dark, disturbing, and some great performances.
— John Williams (@johnwwilliams) July 7, 2025
Thanks for that one.
Harrowing stuff. Really brilliant filmmaking. Absolutely loved it but think I'll be leaving it a good long while before a rewatch.
— George🦉 (@GeorgeeeThomp) July 7, 2025
Prob my film of 2025 so far. Loved 'Talk To Me' so had really been looking forward to this one. Disturbing, heartbreaking and brutal. Brilliantly acted.
— Juan Inch (@CarlSkipper5) July 7, 2025
Absolutely incredible. A simple plot told through the characters, with layers and subtext. Contender for horror of the year for me!
— Eliza Who? (@ElizaH64344) July 7, 2025
With more Secret Screamings to come, remember we also run Unlimited screenings for the non-jump scare type movies for Unlimited members, allowing you to see new releases before they arrive to the general public. And from now until 13th July, you can save 25% on 3-month and 1-year Unlimited memberships.
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