Beautifully novel work, truly refreshing

Rating: 8/10 (1 January 2016)

Horror is a film genre so bogged down with sub-mediocre works it's almost easy to dismiss in its modern form. But every five years or so a film comes along that breathes new life into the medium (and then, sadly, spawns untold lacklustre copycats for the next decade). Past examples include The Blair Witch Project, The Ring, and The Cabin in the Woods. The Babadook is more than worthy addition to that pantheon.
Excellent acting, tastefully done special effects, a lack of cheap jump scares, and a greater emphasis on human emotional darkness than supernatural spookiness are among the film's best qualities. Very simple and streamlined production, not bogged down with superfluous characters, scenes, or plot details.