Movie Review: The Babadook (2014)

Rating: 9/10 (13 May 2015)

In this day and age of torture porn and senseless sex, blood and violence, many of the newer generation are so numbed out and not used to the intensity of true psychological horror. The thing that makes psychological horror films so great is the slow burn. Slow burns consist of a few things, atmosphere, a great story, and always a epic twist at the end. Those three things alone will trump over any blood and guts film.
The mind itself is far more terrifying than in your face visceral carnage.
Last year it was OCULUS (which can be read here: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2388715/reviews-285).
This year...The Babadook is THAT film.
The Babadook is the directorial debut of actress turned director, Jen Kent. The film itself is based on a short film entitled: "Monster" which won rave reviews in the short film festival circuit. This film has lots of mixed reviews which I believe stems from the lack of knowledge of older films and imagination to boot. The Babadook is a anagram of a bad book, and interesting enough a Serbian word babaroga which means boogeyman.
The film starts out with Amelia (played by Aussie actress Essie Davis) involved in a car crash which took the life of her husband. The film then cuts to 7 years later where we are introduced to her son 7 year old Samuel (played with perfection by Noah Wiseman). Samuel has a bit of behavioral problems. These problems are both in school as well as in his social and family life. His mother's health and mental stability hasn't been the same since the accident, which causes a huge gap between him and his mum.
The 30 minute mark is when we finally are introduced to MISTER BABADOOK. The 45 minute is when things start to get uncomfortable. The hour mark is when it gets intense, scary, and really exercises your intellect.
The ending itself, is quite open to interpretation.
The actual entity known as Mister Babadook, takes play from the silent black & white films. The film was originally intended to be filmed in B&W, but the crew found perfect colour palettes which accommodated their needs for the setting and mood of the film.
The first half of the film allows you to relate and feel for both Amelia and Samuel. In a way, the film is about love. It doesn't shy away from that vibe, even when things start to take a turn for the worst. The film itself has a lot of in your face situations that mothers and people who have suffered a devastating loss can relate to.
The film has a slow burn style. It also has Polanski as well as German expressionism overtones throughout. The film seems to be set in a reality styled setting but with just enough darkness and mood to make it surreal almost.
The young actor who plays Samuel really makes the show. This 6 year old is utterly amazing!! The pop up book itself is another actor in the film that truly makes your skin crawl. The book really sets the mood for what's to come. Aussie actress Essie Davis' performance rivals Shelley Duvall's in The Shining.
This is a film that demands multiple viewings....do yourself a favor and let MISTER BABADOOK DOOK DOOK in your lives.