The Badadook? Dadabook? Dababook? Ah "The Babadook"!

Rating: 3/10 (31 May 2016)

The Babadook is yet another "watch for the bed/closet/basement monster" horror movie. But hey! Some of us can't get enough of those now can we?
So this one is about a troubled son and his single mom who's still coping with her husband's murder, 7 years on; when they receive an unwelcome guest announced by a dubious children's book. The mom, Emila (Essie Davis) is the traditional horror movie main character. A blonde middle-aged elderly nurse while her courageous son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman) is arguably the focal point of the story and his performance was captivating. Noah Wiseman seems like a name to retain.
The Babadook has little to differentiate itself within the genre. Aside from its cast's remarkable performance, and the clever way of introducing the monster. Although apparently it was heeded to add "something" to this movie, which shows in the quit uncommon ending. Yet I personally didn't dig that as an answer to the ever plaguing, genre-defying, question: "how will we deal with the monster". Technically, I would say it made good use of lightning, the setting is quit restrained but still complements the plot. It happens mainly in their house which one of the secondary characters dutifully characterizes as "depressing". The soundtrack features mainly classical music, conveying expectation/intrigue through repetitive 2nd minor chords; nothing outstanding in this department.
Nevertheless, this movie can offer quit a jolt at times, and can guarantee a disturbing evening if not a sleepless night. It has a minimum age limit of 16, which seems appropriate. Although I wouldn't recommend it for dog lovers.
"The Babadook" had potential, a good cast but turned out an average horror movie.