Netflix horror with near perfect rating 'so terrifying it taps into everyone's deepest fears'
With a near-perfect 98 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, The Babadook is a 2014 indie psychological horror film that has achieved cult classic status in the years since its release.
Based on Jennifer Kent's 2005 short film Monster, The Babadook is written and directed by Kent and marks her feature directorial debut. Starring the young Noah Wiseman as Samuel Vanek and Essie Davis in a powerful performance as Amelia Vanek, the actors are supported by Daniel Henshall, Hayley McElhinney, Barbara West, and Ben Winspear, completing a stellar ensemble cast.
Currently streaming on Netflix, The Babadook is the story of a widowed single mother, Essie, who along with her son Sam, finds herself confronting a mysterious human-like monster in their home that refuses to go away.
It's reported that Kent began writing the film's screenplay back in 2009 with intentions of exploring the themes of grief, parenting, and the fear of madness.
Financing for the film came from Australian government grants and partially through crowdfunding. Filming took place in Adelaide, where the production team took care to shield Wiseman — who was six at the time — from the movie's unsettling themes. The titular monster and special effects were reportedly brought to life using stop-motion animation and practical effects.
The movie proved to be a success at the global box office, grossing $10 million against its budget of $2 million. Surprisingly, The Babadook didn't do well in its home country of Australia, grossing only a dismal $258,000. The movie first premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2014.
Critics were left floored by the film, with one saying it was: 'One of the strongest, most effective horror films of recent years - with awards-quality lead work from Essie Davis, and a brilliantly designed new monster who could well become the break-out spook archetype of the decade.'
While one critic said it's 'one of the smartest and most effective horror films in years', another wrote: 'This psychological thriller from gifted first-time filmmaker Jennifer Kent will have you climbing the walls simply by plumbing the violence of the mind. Brace yourself.'
Another reviewer lauded the film's director and said: 'Let a law be passed, requiring all horror films to be made by female directors.'
Yet another critical review of the film says: 'Manages to deliver real, seat-grabbing jolts while also touching on more serious themes of loss, grief and other demons that can not be so easily vanquished.'
Audience reviews for The Babadook follow in the same theme, with one viewer commenting: 'Excellent, suspenseful movie with incredible acting, especially from the child actor. This movie, at 10 years old already, will be a classic. The Rotten Tomato score is SPOT ON with 98%!'
While one viewer wrote: 'This is definitely one of the best horror movies I've ever seen. Not only was it terrifying, but it really made me care about the characters. I highly recommend it for horror fans!'
Another commented in caps lock excitement: "ONE OF THE MOST PERFECT MOVIES I'VE EVER SEEN! This film was no joke! Although no jump scares, this movie has proven that you don't need cheep jump scares and gore to make a proper horror film. The performances of the two characters and the atmosphere of everything is what made this movie truly terrifying in it's own ways. One other thing to mention is the emotional story that grabs you from start to finish. The Babadook is a unique work of cinema unlike anything you've ever seen! What a masterpiece!"
And one viewer simply said: 'I made fun of this movie when I first watched it. Until it was late at night and I was trying to fall asleep...then I ate my words.'
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