Don't judge a film by its name !!!!!

Rating: 9/10 (28 November 2014)

The Babadook directed by Jennifer Kent and starring Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman is a straight up psychological horror film. It can be called an art-house horror film. But it would be unfair to call it a monster film,because although there is the presence of a monster in the film, but the storyline represents so much more than just a family being stalked by a monster. There are deep layers to it that the discerning viewer will be able to grasp. The deep psychological undertones of this film and the overall meaning of the storyline makes it a very creepy and disturbing experience. However people who have become accustomed to jump scares will not find any sympathy for The Babadook.
The acting by Essie Davis is absolutely amazingly fantastic. She is one of the main reasons why the film works this much. She completely commands the screen with her presence and makes her performance unforgettable. The direction and screenplay by Jennifer Kent are also masterful. The way this film is directed takes the viewer back to the 60s and 70s when the genre of psychological horror and metaphorical horror had not yet been submerged by cheap slashers and jump scares. The Babadook reminded me of Kubrick's The Shining and Polanski's Repulsion in the best way possible.
The Babadook is the kind of film that might not startle you and make you jump, but it will linger in your head and bother you with thoughts that are the most disturbing.