Danny and Michael Philippou, the masterminds behind last year's pulse-pounding horror sensation "Talk to Me," have embarked on their second feature film, "Bring Her Back," right in their beloved hometown of Adelaide, Australia. The project has garnered financial backing from the South Australia Film Corporation and is poised to commence production in the upcoming summer. Samantha Jennings and Kristina Ceyton of Causeway Films are spearheading the production, while A24 will handle the worldwide distribution of the finished film.
In a heartfelt statement, the twin filmmakers expressed their profound joy in returning to Adelaide for their next cinematic endeavor. "We cherish the opportunity to create our next movie in Adelaide. It's where we find the most solace and inspiration. This city has become our cinematic sanctuary, and we look forward to filming here for years to come," they said.
The stellar cast, which was previously announced by Variety, boasts two-time Academy Award nominee Sally Hawkins ("The Shape of Water"), alongside talents such as Billy Barratt ("Responsible Child," "Kraven the Hunter"), Jonah Wren-Phillips ("Sweet Tooth"), Sally-Anne Upton ("Wentworth"), Stephen Phillips ("The Leftovers"), and the up-and-coming Sora Wong.
Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou and scripted by Danny Philippou with the collaboration of South Australian screenwriter Bill Hinzman, "Talk to Me" made its world premiere at the 2022 Adelaide Festival and went on to achieve international acclaim at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Now, with "Bring Her Back," the brothers are poised to create another spine-chilling tale, and they're doing it right in the heart of Adelaide.
The New York-based entertainment juggernaut, A24, renowned for its indie smash hits like "Everything Everywhere All at Once," "Uncut Gems," "Midsommar," and the HBO sensation "Euphoria," has embraced this latest masterpiece. The film not only soared to become the company's third highest-grossing film but also its top-grossing horror title, raking in A$4.3 million ($2.91 million) at the Australian box office and a staggering $92 million worldwide. The remarkable success has already sparked plans for a sequel to the hit "Talk to Me."
These Adelaide-born twin filmmakers, Danny and Michael, initially garnered attention through their stunt-filled, horror-infused comedy and action shorts on their YouTube channel RackaRacka. Their ingenious videos garnered a staggering 1.5 billion views and amassed over 6.5 million loyal subscribers across various social media platforms.
Andrea Michaels, the state Minister for the Arts in South Australia, expressed her enthusiasm for the filmmakers' return to their hometown to shoot their second film. "It's truly a delight to welcome Danny and Michael back to Adelaide for their next cinematic endeavor. Their immense talent and dedication are a testament to the creative spirit of South Australia. 'Talk to Me' has captivated audiences worldwide, and I am eagerly anticipating the release of 'Bring Her Back' to showcase the beauty of our state to the world," she said.
Produced by Causeway Films and RackaRacka, in collaboration with Salmira Productions and SAFC, "Bring Her Back" is a testament to the filmmakers' unwavering commitment to South Australia. Kate Croser, the CEO of SAFC, expressed her pride in supporting Danny and Michael Philippou's rise to prominence and their decision to bring their next feature film home to Adelaide Studios. "We are thrilled to have played a pivotal role in their journey, and we look forward to the continued success of their artistic vision," she said.
