A very good chiller

Rating: 9/10 (4 November 2014)

I wondered why this was rated so poorly compared to the critic reviews. It seems as though people only want big loud scares in a horror movie these days.
The Shining and The Exorcist were clearly influences on this film and they were terrifying but also great films for character.
The Babadook adds elements of We need to talk about Kevin and it makes a proper film that I'd like to watch again. Yes the child is annoying but that adds to the discomfort you feel for the mother, who puts in a brilliant performance. The setting is bleak and you feel as if the two main characters are alone. It seems as though this is very purposeful as they aren't able to get help from either the two characters close to the family or the police.
It is a wonder why the mother would continue to live in that house 7 years after her husband dies and why Australian TV is so art-house and vintage but these are minor issues.
I would not like to watch this film again alone in the middle of the night.