cinemacl🎃wn’s review published on Letterboxd:
An Australian chiller that gets most things right than wrong in a time when almost every other example of its genre is filled with the same rinse-n-repeat formula, The Babadook is a handsomely crafted horror that features a welcome absence of jump scares and relies on a chilling sense of dread brought upon by its moody atmosphere to deliver the frights.
The story concerns a single mother still grieving the loss of her husband despite the passing of many years since the tragic incident and is on the verge of a nervous breakdown due to her child's behavioural problems & his continuous fear of a monster lurking in the house. But very soon, she comes to realize that the monster part may not be all that made-up.
Written & directed by Jennifer Kent, it was the film's glowing reviews that made me curious to check it out but it doesn't score much on the scare factor. However, unlike most horror films of today, this one touches on some deeper issues with a plot that's soaked in metaphors & themes. Cinematography employs the lighting, contrasts & shadows to great use. Editing is a mixed bag. As for the score, it has muted but ominous feel to it.
Coming to the performances, Essie Davis stars in the role of the single mother and her input is really impressive as one can make out that her character is going through a lot right from the opening moments. Noah Wiseman plays the annoying child who manages to get on everyone's nerves as plot progresses which pretty much explains his mother's dilemma since anyone will go batshit crazy with a kid like that.
On an overall scale, despite the amazing word-of-mouth reception this film has garnered from viewers & critics alike, The Babadook turned out to be an underwhelming experience for me although I do admire its effort to try something different with the genre. Also, its take on grief plus eerie ambience is expertly carried out. Maybe I expected too much but Jennifer Kent's feature film debut is for sure a competently crafted chiller worthy of a view.
Reappraisal :– boxd.it/52m2BP