Streaming Gems: The Babadook (2014)
Photo from Roger Ebert
From Shane Conto
What is the scariest film you have ever watched? You might have a specific experience that strikes you and makes you realize just how terrifying a film can truly be. If you are watching a film at 1 PM in the afternoon…in a living room…with all the blinds and curtains open…AND you are still curled up in the fetal position, that is probably a sign. A film capable of that is Australian filmmaker Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook. Not only is this film terrifying but it is incredibly well-crafted, well-acted, and filled to the brim with rich and poignant themes. THAT is a special kind of horror film for sure.
Why is this film so scary? First off, the titular entity is a terrifying creature. The large grin of teeth. The long fingers are intimidating and the creepy hat just ties it all together. What is the most unsettling aspect is how it moves and the eerie sounds it makes when it moves. There are a few moments where you see it move through the shadows and it is seriously unnerving. The black and shades of gray in which the creature appears is all the more unsettling. This ole time terror just does not feel right in our world. The book that comes along with it and the terrifying tales make its presence ever more intrusive and leave little relief for the audience. The hand drawn pop-up book is so haunting and creepy in so many ways. The Babadook has turned into a gay icon in real life…but it is still horrifying in the film.
Where does the depth originate from beneath the horror? The Babadook is not just a terrifying entity. This entity represents so much more than just a creepy monster. Depression is a powerful thing that leaves many people suffering and debilitated. You can only imagine how horrifying depression would be in a physical form. Enter…The Babadook. This mother in the film, Amelia (Essie Davis), is still reeling from the loss of her husband and she resents her son who is left with her (Noah Wiseman). There is a foreboding force that looms over Amelia and that manifests as The Babadook. This film is about this woman’s processing of her grief and loss while trying to come to grips with new life with just her unruly son. The film might be terrifying because of The Babadook but the drama is just as harrowing.
Who are the two real MVPs of this modern horror classic? Davis and Kent. Davis should have gotten serious awards attention for the incredible performance that she delivers in The Babadook. There is a pain underneath. There is a vulnerability. The frustration boils up every time she loses it with her son or every time she tries to get rid of the creepy book. Davis is overflowing with emotion throughout the whole film and what is most terrifying is when Amelia fully succumbs to The Babadook. In the third act of the film, Davis is nothing short of terrifying. Then you have Kent who expertly navigated this heavy story and perfectly balances it with the horror elements. Never once does the tone or balance falter and there is some great pacing for this story as well. The emotional weight that Kent is able to wrangle is quite impressive. There is a disturbing visual style that feels so unique in its muted colors and gray scales. The scares are impactful as well because Kent is able to craft a film that does not need to skimp on those scary moments.
Why wouldn’t you want to check out a bonafide modern horror classic like this? The Babadook has been universally praised for its well rounded presentation, themes, and horror. Kent showed the world what she was capable of…which happens to be legendary work. Davis deserves a lot more attention and opportunities after delivering such a showstopping performance like in The Babadook. Richness of themes is just the wonderful cherry on top of the crazy horrors that Kent crafted.
The Babadook can be streamed right now on Netflix.
