Review of The Babadook (2014) by Evan L — 04 Apr 2016

This, along with Ponypool, is one of the only truly-inspiring modern horror films that I've ever seen. It achieves so much that for me it has almost single-handedly revived the whole horror genre in my eyes (which I had just about given up on), It draws such touching parallels between the horrors of reality and our darkest fears and somehow also managed to completely turn the tables and deliver something refreshing and memorable. It's kinda scary too, so that's a plus!

I don't want to say too much about this one so I'll keep it short. As a drama, this film is great. As a horror, this film is great. As a Kick-started effort, this film is great. As a Hollywood blockbuster, this film would have been great. Do you get the idea yet?

The premise of a creepy thing coming from an indestructible kid's book is typical horror-fare but it's done very well here and the Babadook is a legitimately haunting figure that has enough weight on its on to carry a solid film.

This one doesn't stop there though and ends up crossing into the tried and tested Demon-possession business for a bit too. Usually this is an instant off-put for me but the formula is absolutely perfected here and the visuals and sound design are completely convincing.

None of this is what's most impressive about the film though. To really get why this is so great you just have to watch it- you will be legitimately surprised and not by some cheap jump scare either. This is possibly the only horror film that I've ever seen that has really had depth that's grounded in reality. This one has more going for it than just monsters under the bed or bad dreams- it battles with some of the horrors of simply existing.