The Babadook
2014 · Movie · R · 94 min · ★ 6.5 · 92% critics
A grieving single mother and her child become consumed by paranoia as an eerie children’s book seems to bring a haunting presence into their home. What starts as fear and stress spirals into a darker, unsettling struggle for control within the family.
Also known as Le Babadook
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Details
- Years
- 2014
- Release date
- 2014-05-22
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 94 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 92/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.5/10 (6,424 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy The Babadook if you want horror rooted in family stress and dread rather than jump scares; Not for you if you expect a nonstop monster spectacle like Green Room or The Blair Witch Project.
Pros: gripping drama-horror blend; creepy atmosphere; strong lead performances | Cons: monster underwhelming; slow start; some plot disappoints
Themes
- monster
- nightmare
- parent child relationship
- dysfunctional family
- sleeplessness
- single mother
- grieving
- woman director
- death of spouse
- behavioral disorders
- psychological disorders
- traumatized woman
- +4 more
Awards & recognition
- AACTA Award — Best Film · 2014
- AACTA Award — Best Direction · 2014
- AACTA Award — Best Original Screenplay · 2014
- AACTA Award — Best Actress in a Leading Role · 2014 · nominated
- AACTA Award — Best Production Design · 2014 · nominated
Show all 9 awards →
- AACTA Award — Best Original Screenplay · 2014 · nominated
- AACTA Award — Best Film · 2014 · nominated
- AACTA Award — Best Editing · 2014 · nominated
- AACTA Award — Best Direction · 2014 · nominated
Cast & crew
Essie Davis
as Amelia Vanek
Noah Wiseman
as Samuel Vanek
Hayley McElhinney
as Claire
Daniel Henshall
as Robbie
Barbara West
as Gracie Roach
Ben Winspear
as Oskar Vanek
- CA
Cathy Adamek
as Prue
Craig Behenna
as Warren
- HA
Hachi
as Bugsy
- TP
Tim Purcell
as The Babadook
Directed by Jennifer Kent