Babadook dook dook...

Rating: 8/10 (26 March 2018)

*SPOILER ALERT * The Babadook, directed by Jennifer Kent is an Australian film about a distraught and lonely widowed mother and her son who happen to open up a disturbing story book that comes to life and let the main character into their lives. The widow's inner fears materialize when the Babadook enters her life. The Babadook becomes a metaphor for her deep sadness and frustration that is apparent in the blue and grey tonality of the house they live in that is extremely claustrophobic. Throughout the entire film, symmetry and parallels are drawn physically and psychologically that link the Babadook to the widow's internal struggles. The message is clear and the implications are severe. If the widow does not tend to her inner demons, she herself will become one. Meanwhile, her inner demon comes out every once in a while threatening the one she loves most in her life- her son. She knows she must do something quick before it is too late. The more you push him out the harder it is to get him to leave. She must confront the Babadook before she too, becomes a demon.