The Babadook review

Rating: 7/10 (1 April 2015)

The Babadook is considered such a smart film by critics for many reasons. One of the main ones being that it is so different. It stands out from other films by not having simple jump scares, instead it elongates the scaring process which creates dread and suspense for the audience. This aspect makes it stand out because it is not as predictable as typical Hollywood horror films can be. The film really taps into the audience's emotions through the psychological instability of the main character, Amelia, and her issues with her son. It is clear that many viewers would be able to connect with the tragic circumstances she had to face, rather than the idea of experiencing a supernatural being. Either way the film allows viewers to make their own interpretations as to what the Babadook really is. Throughout the film Amelia is seen struggling with the mystery of what the Babadook is and what it will do to her family. From the very beginning of the film she is portrayed as someone who is soft spoken but emotionally and psychologically strong. As the story goes on the audience sees her transform as her fears crack through her tough exterior and her sanity begins to be questioned. As time went on she began to represent the idea of Scopophilia. A warning from the Babadook was "Once you look underneath you'd wish you were dead." That idea alone implanted the fear of looking inside her. That fear is easily translated to the audience, which makes the viewer curious but fearful at the same time. In essence this makes the film one you don't want to look away from. Though it was not very scary as a whole, it was well made and different from the typical horror film. Definitely worth watching.