Sunday, November 2, 2014

The Babadook (2014)

Director: Jennifer Kent. Cast: Essie Davis, Daniel Henshall. 93 min. Australia. Horror.

A horror movie of all places ... from Australia! And a very decent one at that. Seven-year-old whose father died in a crash taking the pregnant mom to the hospital, and his mother stumble upon a monster storybook, 'Mister Babadook' - and then realize the monster has entered their lives. Well-acted and well-directed, with a grim production design that upgrades the horror level; but tries to hurt the viewer (including suggestions of child harm and lots of screaming in our face). I have problems with movies that try to hurt me. When I watch a horror movie, I want to have fun.

PS: So far, 96% on the Tomatometer. Again, not a bad movie - just that I wouldn't recommend it.

Mo says:

2 comments:

  1. I enjoyed it but 96%? I think not...
    The central performances were excellent especially from 6 year old Noah Wiseman. I hope he can carry on making good movies and not disappear into obscurity like so many other child actors.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly. Actually, having a 3 year old myself (!), I can imagine how a parent can get frustrated out of his/her mind when a child continuously around the clock doesn't conform to social expectations - but using that as the context for a horror movie? The film takes itself too seriously.

      Delete