Yabba Dabba Do Not.

Rating: 5/10 (23 January 2020)

The Babadook was released back in 2014, and I haven't caught up with it until now. There was a fair amount of positive vibe about it. However I have to say after seeing The Babadook for the first time, I was a little disappointed because I didn't think it was scary. It doesnt compare well to stuff like The (original) Shining, and other iconic horror films of the past that are capable of standing on their own and therefore can never be replicated. Frankly I guess, The Haunting, The Innocents, even The Sixth Sense can never be replaced. Part of the problem seems to be an anxiety of influence on the part of current practioners. They seem unable to create for themselves a style that pays homage, but at the same time makes a new and vibrant contribution to the genre.
I realise that The Babadook is really more a psychological thriller than straight horror. This has to be a fact, because nobody mentions ghosts, or paranormal activity being responsible for the events portrayed, when it seems obvious to the viewer that this is indeed what's going on. We receive a massive build-up, but the story peeters out due to lack of character development, or any explanation for these strange events occurring. The actors subsequently are left to get out there and do a lot of acting to push the story along, when there isnt much of story to begin with.
I also have to admit to an aversion towards films like this who are too coy to actually show the monster for anything longer than a couple of seconds. This may have worked for a horror genius like Val Lewton, but as far as I'm concerned, not many others. Even Jaws to me, was at a disadvantage because it took so long to get a decent glimpse of the shark. But I digress.
Just to mention a few good things, the young boy who plays Essie Davis' son is either adorably vulnerable or obnoxious, but he is wonderfully expressive in a difficult role. The interior of the house has a fascination about it that's very moody and sinister, and makes the claustrophobic nature of the events quietly unsettling. However the back story isn't explained very well nor the reason for finding the book, the reason for the haunting or the magical entrance of the dead husband at the end, which I found more bewildering than what was happening onscreen.
I guess I've been spoilt by the great titles, and directors who created modern horror. No matter what has come after I get into a tizz and can't wait to defend them against the New guard. But as you get older it's more difficult to rationalise your disappointments in life so I will give this a score based on the idea that at least they made an attempt.