RATING★ 5.9
WORTH IT? MAYBE
Bring Back the Dead backdrop
🏆

Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for Bring Back the Dead.

View Review →
WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is Bring Back the Dead Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2015)

When her seven-year-old son dies in a tragic road accident, a grieving mother, Jia En, seeks the help of her former caregiver, Mdm Seetoh, to bring back his soul so he can be always 'by her side.' However, after several strange and deadly occurrences in the house, Jia En begins to suspect that there is something amiss with the soul she has brought back. In discovering what has really happened, she unravels the horrific truth ... a truth which may cost her her life and the lives of those around her.

Advertisement

✨ The Quick Verdict

ONE-TIME WATCH

If you are a fan of Horror cinema, then Bring Back the Dead offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2015 landscape.

Advertisement

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Horror films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2015, Bring Back the Dead represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Horror category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When her seven-year-old son dies in a tragic road accident, a grieving mother, Jia En, seeks the help of her former caregiver, Mdm Seetoh, to bring back his soul so he can be always 'by her side. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When her seven-year-old son dies in a tragic road accident, a grieving mother, Jia En, seeks the help of her former caregiver, Mdm Seetoh, to bring back his soul so he can be always 'by her side.' However, after several strange and deadly occurrences in the house, Jia En begins to suspect that there is something amiss with the soul she has brought back. In discovering what has really happened, she unravels the horrific truth ... a truth which may cost her her life and the lives of those around her."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Jesseca Liu, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Horror genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Lee Thean Jeen is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 86 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Bring Back the Dead truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.9/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Bring Back the Dead explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2015 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Lee Thean Jeen respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Bring Back the Dead serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jesseca Liu or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Bring Back the Dead is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.

Official movieMx Verdict: INTERESTING - VIEW WITH CAUTION

⏳ Time Investment

86MIN

At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.

Advertisement