The Babadook (2014)
A single mother, plagued by the violent death of her husband, battles with her son's fear of a monster lurking in the house, but soon discovers a sinister presence all around her.
Details
Budget
$2,000,000
Rating
7/10 (6051 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Screen Australia, Smoking Gun Productions, Causeway Films, South Australian Film Corporation, Entertainment One
About The Babadook
"The Babadook" is a 2014 horror film that delves into psychological terror. The story follows a single mother, Amelia, who is still coping with the death of her husband. Her young son, Samuel, believes a monster is in their house, a fear that intensifies with the appearance of a mysterious book about a creature called the Babadook. What begins as a child's imagination soon manifests as a sinister presence, forcing Amelia to confront both external threats and her own internal struggles with grief and motherhood.
The film distinguishes itself within the horror genre by emphasizing atmospheric tension and psychological unease over jump scares. It explores themes of loss, mental health, and the complexities of the parent-child relationship under extreme stress. The narrative uses the supernatural element to externalize the emotional turmoil experienced by Amelia and Samuel, creating a disturbing portrayal of a family haunted by more than just a fictional monster. It is notable for its direction by Jennifer Kent, who also wrote the screenplay, offering a nuanced perspective on horror that resonated with critics.
Critically, the movie has been well-received, with a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 86/100 score on Metacritic, alongside a 7.0 average from over 6,000 votes on TMDB. Its impact stems from its ability to use horror conventions to explore deeper dramatic themes, contributing to its reputation as a significant entry in modern psychological horror.
Why you might be searching for The Babadook
People often search for "The Babadook" due to its distinctive monster design and its unique approach to the horror genre, moving beyond conventional scares. The film's psychological depth, particularly its exploration of grief and motherhood, makes it memorable. Search queries also reflect confusion about the monster's true nature, with some wondering if the 'Babadook' is a literal entity or a metaphor for the mother's mental state.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer describes "The Babadook" as one of Australia's top horror films of the last two decades, noting that director Jennifer Kent, building on her 2005 short film "Monster," delivers a vision that avoids typical horror formulas like jump scares and excessive gore.
Read the full reviewA review highlights the film's success in creating a creepy atmosphere and sense of unease, particularly praising the sound editing and Essie Davis's performance as Amelia, who effectively conveys her character's emotional struggles, despite a desire for more explicit details about the monster.
Read the full reviewOne viewer suggests the film is open to interpretation, viewing the monster as a metaphor for domestic abuse that can arise when a person is overwhelmed by life, acknowledging the film's dark and depressing yet brilliant portrayal of compounding tragedies.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Babadook" on services like Netflix, AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now, MUBI, YouTube TV, Philo, The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Plex Player, and Kanopy. It's also available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Additionally, it is currently playing in select theaters. [justwatch.com](https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-babadook)
No, "The Babadook" is not based on a true story. It's a fictional horror film directed by Jennifer Kent that explores themes of grief, mental health, and the struggles of single parenthood through a supernatural premise. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_babadook)
In "The Babadook," the creature ultimately represents Amelia's untamed grief and depression after her husband's death. While she doesn't defeat the Babadook, she manages to contain it in the basement, symbolizing her learning to live with her grief rather than letting it consume her and her son, Samuel. [collider.com](https://collider.com/)
Many critics and viewers consider "The Babadook" a worthwhile watch, praising it for its psychological depth and exploration of grief, anxiety, and the challenges of single parenthood rather than relying on jump scares. It has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many highlighting its compelling story and poignant depiction of a mother-son relationship. [rottentomatoes.com](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_babadook)