This review may contain spoilers. I can handle the truth.
JMReviews’s review published on Letterboxd:
This review may contain spoilers.
I dislike unjustified dog murder in film. It's a cheap screenwriting trick that is easily my least favorite cliche. I hate it so much that it often ruins movies for me. In the case of The Babadook it turns what was an atmospheric and terrifying horror film into an unlikable turd that I regret seeing. The first hour is brilliant; beautifully shot with a fantastic lead performance from Essie Davis and scenes that genuinely scared me. Then the dog gets murdered and I completely check out. You could have killed the old neighbor and nothing would have changed. This of course isn't helped by the character of Samuel. He is one of the most annoying characters I have ever seen. I understand that it's intentional but when you combine that with a horrible acting performance you get a horrendous character who annoyed for every second he was on screen. Along with that some of the things he does and some of the things he said are just unbelievable when you realize that his a six year old. Have you ever spoke to a six year old? They can barely string together a proper sentence. I also feel the third act shits the bed. What was an inventive horror film turned into yet another generic one (possession? Really?)
The Babadook is a film that had so much potential that is sadly squandered by a terrible third act.