A single mother, plagued by her husband's death, soon
discovers a sinister presence terrorizing her and her child. HORROR
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The Babadook (2014)Written and Directed by Jennifer Kent
Starring Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, Hayley McElhinney, Barbara West Based on the 2005 short film Monster |
The Babadook is one of the most original and terrifying horror films I've seen in quite a while. It's rare for me to get seriously freaked out by a movie, but the atmosphere of this film sucked me in and took me for a truly scary ride.
The actual monster of the Babadook is beyond creepy. You never really get a good look at it. You just get glimpses, which I think is far scarier than seeing the monster in all its glory (that's called the Jaws rule). You see its spindling hands and Nosferatu-esque fingers. You hear its bloodcurdling voice and catch glimpses of shadows. By the end of the film, I was unsure of whether or not the creature was in the room with me. What really sold the movie for me, though, was that you weren't quite sure if there really was a monster or if the mother was just losing her mind with grief. The ambiguity raises a lot of creepy questions that only adds to the terror of The Babadook. While the ending was slightly anticlimactic, I one hundred percent support this fright fest, which I'm sure is destined for cult status. The Babadook will become this generation's boogeyman, I guarantee it. |
As a fan of the horror genre, there are a ton of films constantly recommended to me and claiming they will legitimately scare me. While most fall short, The Babadook lives up to the hype and is one of the more creepier horror experiences I've experienced. This was one horror fan that was quite happy.
The storyline is simple and relatable. It does what most great horror films do by also having an underlying message running throughout. The theme of grief plays a significant role throughout the entire film. The helps create a generally oppressing atmosphere, making the film that much creepier. I have seen a lot of horror monsters throughout the years and I can honestly say The Babadook is one of the more terrifying ones in recent years. His appearance and the way he talks, especially his name, are deeply unsettling. I definitely tensed up anytime his presence was around. Apart from an ending that I felt was abrupt and a little anticlimactic, this was one of the best horror films I've seen in recent years. The title creature is terrifying and the atmosphere helps a lot. Horror fans should check this one out immediately. Just remember one thing, though: you can't get rid of the Babadook. |