A Refreshing Ray of Light in a Storm of Terrible Money-Makers

Rating: 9/10 (5 December 2014)

Jennifer Kent's "The Babadook," took me by surprise. Watching the trailer, I was expecting an average monster flick full of jump scares and forced scenes. Instead, I gripped the arms of my chair as I was taken for a ride on what I would say is the best horror movie since James Wan's "The Conjuring," and the most original horror story since "Insidious."
Actress Essie Davis- stepping out from behind the stage curtain and onto the big screen -gives a tremendous performance as a widowed mother who cannot outrun her past. In his early age acting debut, Noah Wiseman's performance as a very troubled young boy is exceptional, especially for an actor his age. While many movie-goers will be disappointed in the lack of on-screen presence for the antagonist, Kent makes sure to keep you on the edge of your seat for the duration of the film. This is not your granny's haunted house movie; this is a pure psychological-thriller and a True Horror film that does not need frightening images or sudden loud noises to make you shake in your chair or sleep with the lights on. True Horror fans will love "The Babadook," and look forward to future Jennifer Kent films; however, movie-goers seeking cheap scares, gore, expensive CGI creatures, and teen romance will be extremely disappointed.