Written and directed by Jennifer Kent, ‘The Babadook’ is a psychological horror powerhouse that really gets under your skin. There are allegorical themes of grief, depression, mental illness, hate, and more. The movie is riddled with symbolism and evocative storytelling, allowing the viewer to reach their own interpretations and theorize key sequences.
‘The Babadook’ revolves around a widowed mother parenting a truly dysfunctional child. One night the mother begins to read a children’s book called “The Babadook” and extremely creepy incidents take place thereafter.
I like that this movie encourages critical analysis and personal conclusions as it is filled with metaphorical imagery and hauntingly atmospheric eerie visual motifs. I think Kent did a fantastic job crafting the storyline and directing. Moreover, the cinematography is great and the acting is superb by lead characters Essie Davies and Noah Wiseman.
Overall, ‘The Babadook’ is a phenomenal chilling horror and is rich with powerful symbolism. The film delves into the human psyche transcending from the realm of horror and into an intriguing drama as well. “You can’t get rid of the Babadook,” and I can’t imagine ever wanting to.
