The Babadook (2014) Review!!

Synopsis – 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.

My Take – This is Australian horror film is completely original and truly terrifying! Its low budgeted and well shot, the film leans on the power of suggestion and tone to create a film which has a sense of unease throughout, in order to indulge you into a feeling of dread or helplessness! This film proves what a horror-fiction movie could do with involving more on psychological emotion from it’s protagonist character rather than shocking audience with jump scares! Well it does find its own way of creeping the hell out of you!

Some horror fans might get slightly disappointed for not giving The Babadook monster enough of the characterization he deserves. The other story is a lot more interesting to follow than his “Oh I am a ghost” tricks, and that is why It is best to view this film as gloomy fairytale about a mother and a son fighting to keep a hold of themselves & have promised to protect each other at any cost! What definitely makes this film that scary is a standout performance from Essie Davis. Her acting as Amelia greatly portrays a destroyed and depressed mother who have unwell circumstances to raise her only son. At first half of the film, audiences were dragged to feel the stressful condition and sympathy to Amelia but she with her gesture and changed behavior would surely scare them when it reaches last 20 minutes.

Along with her its six year old Noah Wiseman’s brilliant performance, who starts off as a spoilt brat & turns into the fighting force against the monster! A hero/ kid you actually root for! Director Jennifer Kent has successfully and smartly convinced also planted images of Babadook character at audience’s mind without much showing what it really looks like and keep them guessing at the ending part. Overall The Babadook is a respectful, creepy, no jump scare, fantastic psychological and an undeniably creepy old-school horror movie that is rarely to find these days. Must Watch for horror fans!!