Episode 43: The Babadook – June 16, 2015
If its in a word or in a look, you can’t get rid of The Babadook…
On our 43rd episode we look at Jennifer Kent’s directorial debut called The Babadook. This was a fan favourite from last year. A gem to come out of Australia. William Friedkin has been quoted to say this was the scariest film he’d ever scene. When the director of The Exorcist gives you that plug, you must have done something right. The Babadook focuses on Amelia, a young single mother and her little boy Samuel. When a macabre children’s story book shows up at their home it coincides with a dark presence that begins to destroy their lives. The Babadook is a genius horror which uses smart writing, excellent performances and great mechanics to deliver a terrifying tale of madness and survival.
We’ll discuss the passing of Betsy Palmer and Sir Christopher Lee. A huge blow to the horror community. We hope you enjoy the Horror 101 treatment of The Babadook.
2 comments
Rory
2018/07/29 at 10:34 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I finally got a chance to watch this one and for the most part I was very impressed by it. The first hour and fifteen or so minutes of the film was terrifying and had amazing atmosphere, direction, and acting. The score was brilliant as well. That ending though. Such a huge let down.
admin
2018/07/30 at 8:16 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The ending has been a polarizing part of this film for a lot of fans. For us, it gave us the idea that mom was gonna be OK. That her mental state will remain fragile but she can handle it and all will be well. If you look at the Babadook as just a monster, I can see how the ending might leave you unsatisfied but if you see the monster as a projection of mental illness, the conclusion seems to fit.