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
Jennifer Kent's 2014 film "The Babadook" explores grief and psychological distress through the lens of horror. The story centers on Amelia, a single mother still reeling from the death of her husband, as she grapples with her young son Samuel's fear of a monster. This fear becomes more tangible with the appearance of a mysterious book, and Amelia soon finds herself confronting a sinister presence.
The film distinguishes itself within the horror genre by focusing on internal struggles rather than relying on jump scares. It delves into the breakdown of the parent-child relationship and the psychological toll of unresolved grief, themes often explored in dramas. The portrayal of a dysfunctional family dynamic and the keywords like "sleeplessness," "depressing," and "traumatized woman" highlight the film's character-driven approach to horror. "The Babadook" has been recognized by critics, earning high scores on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic.
Essie Davis as Amelia and Noah Wiseman as Samuel deliver performances that anchor the film's emotional weight. Their portrayals contribute to the unsettling atmosphere, allowing the audience to feel the characters' pain and unease. The film's critical reception suggests its effectiveness in weaving together elements of psychological drama with its horror premise, creating a memorable viewing experience.
Why you might be searching for The Babadook
People are often searching for "The Babadook" due to its distinctive monster design, its exploration of mental health themes within a horror context, and the memorable performances, particularly that of Essie Davis. The film is also known for its unsettling atmosphere and how it handles the complex dynamics of a grieving family.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that Jennifer Kent's "The Babadook" stands out among contemporary horror films by creating its own identity and avoiding typical genre tropes, evolving from her 2005 short film "Monster" into a full-length feature that is visually and intellectually striking.
Read the full reviewA reviewer praised the film as a well-executed and creepy horror movie, highlighting the effective sound editing and Essie Davis's performance in conveying Amelia's emotions, despite wishing for more development regarding the monster itself.
Read the full reviewOne review suggested that the true monster in the film could be interpreted as the specter of domestic abuse, arising when a person is pushed to their limits by life's circumstances, while acknowledging that the film's difficult themes, including animal abuse, may not be for everyone.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Babadook" on services like AMC+, Shudder, Sundance Now, YouTube TV, MUBI, or for free with ads on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV, and Plex Player. It's also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Amazon Video, and Fandango, and can be viewed for free on Kanopy. The film is also currently playing in select theaters. You can also stream the movie on Disney+ [disneyplus.com](https://www.disneyplus.com/browse/entity-3575d29a-90fe-4728-bb60-afe50fa018c4).
No, "The Babadook" is not based on a true story. It is a psychological horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent, based on her 2005 short film "Monster." The term "Babadook" itself was invented by Kent, derived from the Serbo-Croatian word for boogeyman, "babaroga." [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Babadook)
In the ending of "The Babadook," Amelia manages to fight off the Babadook's possession and trap it in the basement, but her son Sam reminds her that "you can't get rid of the Babadook." She learns to co-exist with the creature, feeding it worms in the basement. This ending suggests that the Babadook represents Amelia and Sam's grief over Oskar's death, and that while grief can't be eliminated, it can be acknowledged and managed. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Babadook)
Critics widely consider "The Babadook" to be a worthwhile watch, praised for its psychological depth and genuine horror without relying on jump scares. Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 98% approval rating, calling it one of the best horror films of all time. Many reviewers highlight its exploration of themes like grief and the challenges of parenting. [wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Babadook)