‘The Babadook’: The horror movie you need to watch this week
A Netflix catalogue is made up of many genres. But if you are on a hunt for something that will inevitably raise your hair, then The Babadook should top your watchlist. More or less, every week brings the frustrating reminder of what’s leaving the rotating carousel of the streaming giant. And the teeth-sinking horror movie is next in line, counting its last days. But before time’s up, Best of Netflix wants you to strap in and make the most of this terror ride. The fan frenzy is already palpable and electrifying. So, why not just give in?
The Babadook is a 2014 Australian psychological horror film directed by Jennifer Kent as her feature directorial debut, based on her 2005 short film, Monster. While it was a commercial success in its native country, the film saw unprecedented popularity globally. Since its release a decade ago, The Babadook has become a cult favourite.
Set against the backdrop of Adelaide, the narrative follows Amelia Vanek, a troubled widow and her six-year-old son, Samuel. Amelia’s husband lost his life in a car accident while driving her to the hospital during labour. Bringing up Samuel on her own, the child soon starts displaying unstable behaviours, resulting in academic and societal issues. He becomes too caught up in an imaginary monster in his head. But one night, when Amelia reads a pop-up book, Mister Babadook’s monstrous description unsettles her, leaving Samuel convinced that the Babadook is real.
Odd situations begin to unfurl, and the blame falls on Samuel, but the child knows better. The film is a horror pill that’s hard to swallow. The Babadook delves deep into the psychological warfare between parenthood, grief, and the dread of insanity. The bizarre becomes the norm, but when the unknown starts to manifest, a sense of tension and unease blankets everything. This reveals the true genius of the storytelling.
The movie expertly utilises sound design and cinematography to manifest an atmosphere that automatically pushes viewers to the edge. Kent was reportedly inspired by her experience as a production assistant director on Lars von Trier’s Dogville. The use of stop-motion animation and practical effects is also top-notch and a novel touch that makes it stand out in the genre. It invites viewers to reflect and interpret the undertones of mental struggle and trauma underneath the cloak of horror.
The film explores the impact of trauma in excruciating detail and how it scars individuals and families. The Babadook also sheds light on the complexities of motherhood by taking the institution out of its comfort zone. Not to forget, the movie has an outstanding cast starring Essie Davis, Noah Wiseman, and Daniel Henshall, among others.
The feature is slated to leave Netflix on July 4th, alongside many other favourites. Notwithstanding a whopping 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the clock is ticking fast, so catch up on The Babadook before it leaves the streaming house because, believe it or not, time is of the essence.