Babadook
released 2014

”Babadook” is an Australian psychological horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent and produced by Kristina Ceyton and Kristina Moliere. It stars Essie Davis, Daniel Henshall, Noah Wiseman, Tim Purcell, Hayley McElhinney, Barbara West, Ben Winspear, Carmel Johnson, Peta Shannon, Craig Behenna and Cathy Adamek. It was based on the short film called “Monster” released in 2005 which was also written and directed by Jennifer Kent. The film received acclaim at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival.

“Babadook” tells the story of a woman named Amelia Vannick, played by Essie Davis, who is haunted by a creature from one of her son´s book called the Babadook. The woman´s son Samuel, played by Noah Wiseman sees it first. The creature haunts Amelia and her son and possesses her to commit more and more depraved acts. She stops when the creature tries to get her to kill her son. That is the point where she finally takes control of the creature and her life.

Amelia is a person trapped and more and more isolated in a difficult situation. She was grieving the loss of her husband and dealing with her very difficult son while working at a miserable job. Her son misbehaves at school and has made the both of them a pariah among her family and friends. As her situation degenerates she takes pills to sleep and this makes things worse by impairing perception.

This is a well-crafted tale of a woman who must confront her inner demons and take an honest look at herself. Throughout the movie she is very passive but as the story progresses and she realizes what is at stake she takes control of her life. The Babadook is a manifestation of her inner desire to kill her child as if her son was the reason for all her troubles. Essie must take an honest look at herself and her dark desires and decide to take control of her life.

I really enjoyed this film and its message. It´s a simple, well-done movie that will make your hairs stand on end. Jennifer Kent did a great job with this film and that is why I highly recommend as a must see and own.

(Commentary by www.ink2quill.com )
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