The Babadook
IFC Films | Release Date: November 28, 2014
8.4
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 1223 Ratings
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Positive:
1,029
Mixed:
113
Negative:
81
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User Reviews

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8
FlickLoverJun 15, 2015
"If it's in a word. Or it's in a look. You can't get rid of ... The Babadook" The Babadook is a refreshingly adult horror/thriller that really gives us a chance to know the two main characters. I really felt the dread and the strain of each"If it's in a word. Or it's in a look. You can't get rid of ... The Babadook" The Babadook is a refreshingly adult horror/thriller that really gives us a chance to know the two main characters. I really felt the dread and the strain of each day as they grew worse and worse for this mother and son. Yes, lots of us have seen tragedy before, but no two people deal with it the exact same way. Writer and director Jennifer Kent gives us another view of the darkness that comes when dealing with death. It is interesting, creative, and well worth the time.… Expand
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9
UniqueUsernameJan 29, 2016
The Babadook is a terrifying psychological horror film from first-time director Jennifer Kent. The performances are very good, especially the lead (Essie Davis), who was excellent in her role. The pacing is fairly slow in the beginning, yetThe Babadook is a terrifying psychological horror film from first-time director Jennifer Kent. The performances are very good, especially the lead (Essie Davis), who was excellent in her role. The pacing is fairly slow in the beginning, yet becomes faster as the movie goes on, thus building superb tension throughout the movie. The subtle and creepy background music and sound design help immensely in this approach, and masterfully accompany the main character's decrease of sanity. The cinematography and lighting is perfectly handled and really sets an eerie tone. Thankfully, the jumpscares and gore are kept to a minimum, which was certainly the right choice. The metaphorical aspect of the movie is what really makes it stand out from most horror/thriller films, and that deeper and more emotional meaning to the film is what makes it great, instead of good, in my opinion. The ending was phenomenal, and it couldn't have concluded in any better way. As a result of the very low budget for this movie, there were some poor Babadook CGI and copy/paste sound effects which at times took me out of the movie, and if more time had been put into improving those areas, I would have given this movie a perfect score. In overall, The Babadook is in my opinion the best horror film of 2014 and I cannot wait too see what the director can create in the future with a bit bigger of a budget.… Expand
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8
DausenMooreDec 7, 2020
The Babadook is extremely good and puts most modern horror to shame. My one complaint is the ending just because it kinda confuses me. I'm not really sure what happened or why lol.
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9
Betelgeuse42Jan 5, 2016
Fantastic and chilling. Seems like most people who did not like this movie had complaints about the ending.

That's because the ending went right over their heads...
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9
davd123Jan 30, 2018
The story the acting is overwhelming. This movie is probably my one of the most favorite horror movies I have ever seen. I really enjoyed every second of it.
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9
Muskrat147Nov 15, 2017
An extended metaphor for grief and hardship that manages to be quite scary, The Babadook balances clever storytelling with a simple premise that’s bound to get any friend interested for a late night watch. The performances, lead by aAn extended metaphor for grief and hardship that manages to be quite scary, The Babadook balances clever storytelling with a simple premise that’s bound to get any friend interested for a late night watch. The performances, lead by a stand-out Essie Davis, make the story feel that much more believable and real. The editing is impeccable, creating true horror without the help of ill-fated quick cuts and jump scares. Kent’s direction is flawless, perfectly balancing the need for characterization while delivering on the white-nuckle suspense. Every aspect is great, and it is quite rare where a horror film, or any film, of this caliber - a small indie from Australia - can make a major impact on filmgoers around the world. The Babadook is a work of art that is sure to become a classic in the future.… Expand
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7
GhaJul 2, 2016
This was not what i was expecting at all. Very diferently filmed to a standard horror movie, very bleak and depressing. Wouldn't want to watch again but very well made.
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10
mattaborneAug 14, 2016
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This movie is phenomenal and gut wrenching. I was on the edge of my seat the entire movie. With amazing acting performances by the two main roles, The Babadook is an amazing movie that portrays real life situations.… Expand
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9
RystermanJan 30, 2017
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Often, when talking about the Babadook, the most common complaint is the the frequency of which you see the "babadook", as well as the "babadook's design. Personally, I believe these criticisms to be not true criticisms of the movie itself. The frequency of the monster's appearance without the audience being able to see it would cause the monster itself to not be feared by the audience, as there is no suspense leading to the reveal of the monster itself, and would draw away from the movie's true focus, that being the sanity of the mother enduring the death of her husband whilst struggling to raise her uncontrollable child.

This movie is a breath of fresh air for fans of the horror movie genre.

Instead of focusing upon the monster itself, as well as the highly expected teen angst, overacting and overall bland nature of a large majority of modern horror movies, The Babadook's well paced, compelling narrative is one that should be respected by every horror enthusiast as an instant cult-classic, that should not be rejected simply because of budget limitation with costume design.… Expand
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7
andygiantApr 17, 2017
This film has a very peculiar, but impressive approach to a horror theme plot. The acting is superior and you could empathize with every character as there is a giant emotional roller coaster where a mother and child fight the unknown. MayThis film has a very peculiar, but impressive approach to a horror theme plot. The acting is superior and you could empathize with every character as there is a giant emotional roller coaster where a mother and child fight the unknown. May not be all terrifying, but it sure is thrilling and considerably dark.… Expand
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9
fairbrotherOct 14, 2017
THE BABADOOK might be my favorite horror film of the 21st century so far. But I think calling it a horror film is where so many misinterpretations begin. Do see it - but don't expect your standard, numbingly literal spook flick, because thisTHE BABADOOK might be my favorite horror film of the 21st century so far. But I think calling it a horror film is where so many misinterpretations begin. Do see it - but don't expect your standard, numbingly literal spook flick, because this one hinges entirely upon your ability to grasp a metaphor and read between the lines. Despite this, it never falls into preciousness or pretension. As an exercise in craft alone, and on a tiny budget no less, it's impressive; but as a story, it's scary, funny, emotionally resonant, and bracingly fresh, wearing its influences (Murnau and Dreyer, Tourneur and Polanski, Roald Dahl and Stephen King...) proudly without being derivative or glib.

Jennifer Kent's script is sharp; her eye for composition and choreography is striking; and her knack for coaxing her actors through a fraught, heightened reality of raw emotion without tipping into self-parody is palpable. Leading lady Essie Davis is phenomenal; Noah Wiseman ably fills the role of a kid we simultaneously like and dislike. The editing works a jittery treat. The cinematography and art direction don't so much provide a backdrop as an expressionist pool we immerse ourselves in. It's proved - like so many interesting films do - to be a polarizing experience. A recurring complaint from detractors is that it's not a 'real' monster movie. To which I reply 'well duh'. The Babadook himself is a symbol of something much realer and scarier than an otherworldly boogeyman - what he represents is best not explained here but one needn't be a psychiatrist to work that out. As to complaints that the characters 'deserved' to suffer because they were 'annoying' or 'unrelatable'... well, I think that says more about some viewers' limited empathy and insight than anything else. I won't reveal the ending here but, where some see a cop-out, I see a perfectly logical and unexpectedly poignant conclusion.

THE BABADOOK is original, thoughtful, touching, and very, very creepy. It's an instant cult classic.… Expand
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9
BITESCREENJun 22, 2017
Nach dem Unfalltod ihres Mannes quält sich eine zartbesaitete Mutter durch ein trübes Leben mit einem hochgradig anstrengenden Sohn. Der schreit nicht nur laut und viel, sondern wird auch gelegentlich gewalttätig. Als plötzlich einNach dem Unfalltod ihres Mannes quält sich eine zartbesaitete Mutter durch ein trübes Leben mit einem hochgradig anstrengenden Sohn. Der schreit nicht nur laut und viel, sondern wird auch gelegentlich gewalttätig. Als plötzlich ein verstörendes Kinderbuch auftaucht, dessen fiese Bildreime scheinbar Wirklichkeit werden, gerät schlichte Überforderung zur handfesten psychischen Störung. Jennifer Kent schafft mit Der Bababook eine höchst subtile Schauermär mit unterkühlten Bildern und berauschendem Ton. Während Kent den visuellen Schrecken an The Grudge oder Nightmare on Elm Street anlehnt, erinnert der perfide psychologische Part an The Shining. Aber auch ganz ohne Weiterdenken funktioniert der nicht ultraspannende, aber immer faszinierende Film einwandfrei, vor allem durch die zwei herausragenden Hauptdarsteller, die Angst, Hilflosigkeit und Terror glaubhaft vermitteln.… Expand
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9
NBFCJan 9, 2018
A 2014 Australian psychological horror film that concerns a grief-stricken widow as she battles her son’s fear of a monster lurking in the house born out of probably one of the scariest pop-up books ever made!!

The best way to describe thisA 2014 Australian psychological horror film that concerns a grief-stricken widow as she battles her son’s fear of a monster lurking in the house born out of probably one of the scariest pop-up books ever made!!

The best way to describe this low-budget gem is Eraserhead-lite due to it’s trippy visuals and the fact that we are stuck in a very-unreliable protagonist’s point of view. At it’s heart, however, the story is really about the emotional journey of a woman learning to deal with her grief while also being a single parent.

If you are a fan of the more artsy spectrum of horror, then check it out!!… Expand
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10
DRainbowFeb 20, 2022
I am glad this movie got such good reviews from viewers, because I was shocked in theaters when people stood up and walked out because it was not what they expected. This movie is a masterpiece and shows the true horrors we could all face inI am glad this movie got such good reviews from viewers, because I was shocked in theaters when people stood up and walked out because it was not what they expected. This movie is a masterpiece and shows the true horrors we could all face in our life. The acting is outstanding and to think this is Jennifer Kent's directional debut makes me wonder where she will go from here. I'll be waiting.… Expand
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9
ZekuDec 7, 2017
One of the best horror films of the last years. If you want simple jumpscares stay away from this movie.
You will understand what the "real monsters" are who infest the life of each of us every day.
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8
MacsMusicJan 1, 2018
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Visually, this movie is crazy, amazing, and very creepy. It uses shadows, mirrors, and even stop motion to constantly keep the viewer on their toes. The stress and anticipation of scares makes this movie difficult to watch without constantly flinching and bracing yourself for impact. The ending is easily the worst part of the movie, being really strange and unsatisfying. Besides the ending, a really legit horror movie.… Expand
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8
luke100Jan 9, 2018
Some legitimately creepy and scary scenes, some interesting story directions and some insanely fun character dynamics made this movie consistently entertaining, despite its fairly harsh tone. The writing is incredibly smart, and the wholeSome legitimately creepy and scary scenes, some interesting story directions and some insanely fun character dynamics made this movie consistently entertaining, despite its fairly harsh tone. The writing is incredibly smart, and the whole experience can be fairly chilling. But for a horror movie, I definitely wish it was scarier.… Expand
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8
K4tanaJul 4, 2020
THIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL MONSTER MOVIE. But dont let that pull you away from it the movie is really good just have an open mind wen you see it since its more a deep analises and deconstruction of some one emotional state and how it effectsTHIS IS NOT YOUR TYPICAL MONSTER MOVIE. But dont let that pull you away from it the movie is really good just have an open mind wen you see it since its more a deep analises and deconstruction of some one emotional state and how it effects their life then a jump scare fest. Whit that said there still are some good jump scares in this, but again its not about the scares or the monster...… Expand
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9
KingKrinoxApr 23, 2019
a very good horror movie, a very well done atmosphere, does not fall into the cliche of the excessive use of jumpscares, highly recommended
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9
ChurchinoAug 8, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. O filme é incomodo, pois toca em assunto extremamente negligenciado na sociedade atual: a depressão pós-parto e a "desromantização" da maternidade. Se você procura um terror psicológico, esse filme é incrível!… Expand
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9
Richmond95Oct 5, 2019
The Babadook tells a mature story, is acted wonderfully and manages to be truly scary in its presentation of grief.
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7
rappM95Jul 30, 2020
Very good performance by the lead, Essie Davis. The plot is compelling not only because of the titular character, but by the alarming circumstances this woman faces outside of the supernatural. The use of non-CGI effects added an extra layerVery good performance by the lead, Essie Davis. The plot is compelling not only because of the titular character, but by the alarming circumstances this woman faces outside of the supernatural. The use of non-CGI effects added an extra layer of creepiness.… Expand
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7
mrpetitionMar 23, 2023
It was alright I guess, at times it was really good and other times it was kinda **** I had higher expectations for it. I really liked the babadook charachter and it sucks we only got to see him twice, but nevertheless its worth a watch
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10
Palindrome704Jun 28, 2021
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10
Anisette570Jul 6, 2021
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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9
LumdogNov 9, 2021
This film truly gave me spine chills...its creepy as all hell and one of the scariest films I've ever seen. It's more clever than your average horror flick, it's a psychological allegory about coping with grief. Essie Davis gives aThis film truly gave me spine chills...its creepy as all hell and one of the scariest films I've ever seen. It's more clever than your average horror flick, it's a psychological allegory about coping with grief. Essie Davis gives a phenomenally excellent and raw performance. This film understands that what you don't see is scarier than what you do see. The monster works well with the practical effects and it is shown sparingly. A must-see for horror fans.… Expand
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10
AbolishAug 16, 2021
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8
BigManReviewerJun 7, 2023
f*****g terrifying without resorting to gore, keeps you on the edge of your seat. .
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