The Babadook

Amelia Vanek, a weary single mother, struggles to keep her life from falling apart after the death of her husband. She juggles a demanding job, a mortgage, and the needs of her five year old son Samuel, who clings to routine and spirals into fear at the mere mention of a monster in their house. As Samuel's night terrors escalate, Amelia senses a growing pressure that she cannot escape, a presence that seems to watch and judge. Their decline unfolds in cramped rooms and flickering lights, where every creak feels intentional and every whisper seems directed at them. The bond between mother and child strains under grief, guilt, and a creeping dread that unsettles their safety. Its quiet, clinical approach to fear makes the horror feel intensely personal.

Directed by Jennifer Kent, The Babadook marks her feature debut and is written as an original screenplay rather than adapted from existing work. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, signaling a bold new voice in modern horror. It also showcases Kent's careful storytelling and restrained visual style.

With a budget around $2,000,000, it earned about $10,300,000 worldwide, a solid return for a compact horror project that drew attention to Australian cinema and helped launch Kent as a distinctive directing voice. Its performance helped demonstrate the profitability of smart independent horror.

Beyond its scares, The Babadook resonated as a study of grief and motherhood, inviting discussion about how sorrow shapes action and perception. The titular figure entered pop culture as a chilling symbol of inner turmoil, aligning horror with emotional truth rather than gore. This symbol has sparked ongoing discussions.

Critics praised Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman for grounding the film's tension, and noted Kent's restrained direction that favors atmosphere over shocks. The movie is widely read as a meditation on loss, responsibility, and the way grief can skew a family’s world. Audiences note the restraint and room for interpretation.