THE BABADOOK (2014)   |   dir. J Kent   |   AUSTRALIA

Reviewed by Emma Bridgwater

Synopsis

Single mother Amelia (Essie Davis) is plagued by unresolved grief after the loss of her husband on the eve of her labour with their first child. She struggles to feel an emotional connection with her now six-year old son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman), whose oppositional behaviours and obsession with monsters often land him in significant trouble at school and with friends.

When the ghoulish picture book, Mr. Babadook, appears on Samuel’s shelf, his fears develop into hallucinations, and his behaviour at home and school becomes increasingly unpredictable. Amelia, terrified of her own son, seeks medical assistance, but soon becomes aware of a malevolent presence lurking in their house.

Stylistic Elements

There is in interesting contrast made between the cartoon-like Babadook and the otherwise realistic house that it exists in. The lighting becomes increasingly grim as Amelia’s life begins to unravel, and her internal distress is echoed by her increasing lack of attention to personal grooming.

Characters

Noah Wiseman, in an excellent performance from such a young actor, effortlessly portrays Samuel as a difficult and unlikable child. His behaviour on screen evokes a sense of aggravation and frustration that at times makes his scenes difficult to watch, and allows the viewer to empathise intensely with Amelia.

Amelia herself is well portrayed as a realistic single mother struggling to manage her increasingly difficult son. She is also a rare on-screen portrayal of struggles that many parents experience – guilt over her lack of connection with her son, frustration with her inability to manage him, a sense of despair in relation to her employment.

Narrative

A gripping, engaging narrative that keeps the viewer engaged until the very end.

Emotional Impact

The Babadook evokes feelings of despair and desperation in its opening moments, mixed with a sense of anticipatory terror that is increasingly prominent as the film progresses.

Educational Score

8/10. A gripping cinematic experience, with significant metaphorical content.