Pop Culture Happy Hour Episode Summary: "Bring Her Back"

Introduction to "Bring Her Back" In the June 2, 2025 episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, hosted by NPR's Aisha Harris, the team delves into the Australian horror sequel, "Bring Her Back." Building on the success of its predecessor, Talk to Me, this installment elevates nightmarish storytelling with a gripping narrative centered on grief and its dark manifestations.

Guest Introductions Joining Aisha Harris are Jordan Cruciola, host of the podcast Feeling Seen, and Walter Chow, a writer, critic, and film instructor at the University of Colorado Denver. Their diverse perspectives set the stage for an in-depth exploration of the film's themes and execution.

Discussion on the Film's Impact and Reception Walter Chow praises the filmmakers, Danny and Michael Filippo, highlighting their growth since Talk to Me. He states, “Bring Her Back exceeds Talk to Me. This one, I was like, this is so seriously my lane with these guys" (04:17). Walter notes the film's ability to "genuinely recoil" viewers emotionally, indicating its profound impact and effectiveness in delivering a devastating narrative.

Emotional and Psychological Elements Both guests emphasize the film's deep emotional resonance. Walter shares a personal connection, relating a harrowing scene to his own experience at his father's funeral: “It took me right back to my dad's funeral where my mom was part of a cult and insisted on burying him in that cult... massive emotional flood” (06:51). Aisha echoes the intense emotional response, describing her viewing experience as "expletive brutal" (08:16), underscoring the film's capacity to evoke strong feelings related to loss and trauma.

Performance Analysis Sally Hawkins delivers a standout performance as Laura, a childcare worker with a menacing presence. Walter commends her nuanced portrayal: “Sally Hawkins's performance is... tinged with so much menace” (10:00). Her duality captures both goodwill and underlying desperation, making her character a complex antagonist. Additionally, the performances of Billy Barrett and Sora Wong as Andy and Piper receive high praise for their authentic depiction of sibling bonds amidst chaos.

Directors’ Approach and Innovation in Horror Tropes Danny and Michael Filippo are lauded for their innovative approach to traditional horror elements. Walter remarks, “They are really good at taking things that are familiar to horror and doing what I think is the kind of coolest thing about the genre is taking trope or cliché and putting their own spin on them” (16:06). This fresh take breathes new life into well-trodden motifs, ensuring that the film feels both original and sincere.

Handling of Sensitive Topics "Bring Her Back" boldly addresses themes of child abuse and grief without leaning heavily into supernatural explanations. Walter points out, “The supernatural elements were almost secondary” (12:44), emphasizing that the film focuses more on the psychological deterioration of its characters. This grounded approach allows for a more relatable and impactful exploration of familial relationships under stress.

Personal Reactions and Critiques Aisha shares her mixed feelings about the film, acknowledging its strengths but also expressing discomfort with its brutality: “Maybe it's just not for me, and maybe it is actually good. It's just, like, not at all for me” (13:48). Walter concurs, suggesting that the film is suited for viewers who can handle its intense emotional and psychological demands: “If this sounds like red flags for you, you'd be like, you should probably skip this one” (19:30).

Conclusion and Recommendations Despite its challenging content, "Bring Her Back" is recommended for its exceptional performances and innovative storytelling. The hosts encourage listeners to approach the film with caution, especially those sensitive to its heavy themes. Aisha expresses her intent to continue supporting the filmmakers, intrigued by their potential future projects: “I will be curious because I am still holding on to like the feelings I had while watching Talk to Me*” (19:52).

Final Thoughts "Bring Her Back" stands out in the horror genre for its emotional depth and character-driven narrative. With stellar performances and a fresh take on horror conventions, it offers a compelling experience for viewers willing to engage with its intense and unsettling themes.

Notable Quotes:

• Walter Chow on exceeding Talk to Me: “Bring Her Back exceeds Talk to Me. This one, I was like, this is so seriously my lane with these guys” (04:17).
• Aisha Harris on emotional impact: “expletive brutal” (08:16).
• Walter Chow on Sally Hawkins's performance: “tinged with so much menace” (10:00).
• Aisha Harris on the film's suitability: “Maybe it's just not for me, and maybe it is actually good. It's just, like, not at all for me” (13:48).

For those interested in a horror film that delves deep into the human psyche and challenges traditional genre boundaries, "Bring Her Back" is a must-watch.