The Babadook

2014, Horror/Mystery & thriller, 1h 33m

244 Reviews 25,000+ Ratings

critics consensus

The Babadook relies on real horror rather than cheap jump scares -- and boasts a heartfelt, genuinely moving story to boot. Read critic reviews

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Oof, that was Rotten.

Meh, it passed the time.

It’s good – I’d recommend it.

Awesome!

So Fresh: Absolute Must See!

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The Babadook Photos

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Movie Info

A troubled widow (Essie Davis) discovers that her son is telling the truth about a monster that entered their home through the pages of a children's book.

Genre:

Horror, Mystery & thriller
Original Language:

English (Australia)
Director:

Jennifer Kent
Producer:

Kristina Ceyton, Kristian Moliere
Writer:

Jennifer Kent
Release Date (Theaters):

Nov 28, 2014 limited
Release Date (Streaming):

Apr 14, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA):

$933.1K
Runtime:

1h 33m
Distributor:

IFC Films
Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Cast & Crew

Essie Davis
Amelia

Daniel Henshall
Robbie

Noah Wiseman
Samuel

Hayley McElhinney
Claire

Barbara West
Mrs. Roach

Cathy Adamek
Prue

Show all Cast & Crew

News & Interviews for The Babadook

Know Your Critic: Emily VanDerWerff, Critic at Large at Vox

The Lost Film that Inspired the Look of Modern Horror Icon Mister Babadook

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Critic Reviews for The Babadook

All Critics (244) | Top Critics (66) | Fresh (239) | Rotten (5)

Full Review… Candice Frederick Reel Talk Online

Full Review… Charlotte O'Sullivan London Evening Standard

Full Review… Noel Murray Nashville Scene

Full Review… Sara Michelle Fetters MovieFreak.com

Full Review… Antonia Quirke Financial Times

Full Review… Alison Willmore BuzzFeed News

Full Review… Brian Eggert Deep Focus Review

Full Review… David Reddish Queerty

Full Review… Dann Gire Chicago Daily Herald

Full Review… Rob Aldam Backseat Mafia

Full Review… Jason Adams My New Plaid Pants

Full Review… Dan Brightmore NME

View All Critic Reviews (244)

Audience Reviews for The Babadook

Jan 14, 2018

Creepy! The Babadook can stand for so many things, of which most of us can relate.

Super Reviewer
Nov 21, 2017

If the horror genre could be summed up with one pithy saying, I imagine it might be "it's out to get you", whatever "it" might be. With this interesting take, Australian writer/director Jennifer Kent (gasp! a woman!! In horror???) offers that one's own thoughts and feelings might be the source of the terror, unresolved guilt and malignant feelings, a vibe directly from the iconic "The Innocents". The creep and subsequent attack are worthy of the genre, especially the most horrible "am I dreaming this, is this really happening?!?" staple. Good stuff.

Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
Feb 14, 2017

http://cinephilecrocodile.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/the-babadook-dir-jennifer-kent-2014.html

Anthony L Super Reviewer
Dec 29, 2016

pre-viewing had heard alot of good things about the babadook and in turn was quite expectant. the acting from both leads was good but the actual scares delivered were more on a B-movie level and, as my expectations were high, a bit of a let down. further deflating was the apparant babadook possibly being simply a metaphor for the struggle of dealing & coping with trauma. couldnt it just simply be a monster? possibly a frightening one? i think for young teenagers this is perfectly balanced but for those horror aficionados out there this is a frolic in the park.

Sanity Assassin ! Super Reviewer