The Babadook

Dir: Jennifer Kent

2014

****

Jennifer Kent's original horror The Badabook is quite a triumph, even though it may not seem so initially. After a few acting stints, Kent realised her passion for film and interest in working within the industry, was probably best suited working behind the camera, rather than in front of it. After watching Dancer in the Dark, she actually contacted Lars von Trier and asked if she could shadow him, stating that she didn't really like the idea of going to film school. Amazingly, Trier agreed and she ended up assisting him during the filming of Dogville. While I can't see any of Trier's visual style as influence in The Babadook, it is clear that that Kent has developed a unique and independent approach to film making. It's rather good too. Haunted house horrors are ten a penny, you've got to be pretty original these days in order for people to take any notice and that is exactly what Kent has done. The film isn't just a ghost story/ slasher/haunted house/exorcist style romp, it's far more a psychological thriller but without any of the sudo-science, pop-psychology nonsense.  It's a classic formula, executed in a mature, thought-provoking manner with plenty of surprises as well as a satisfying conclusion. It really isn't about what you may think and I think it's a bold and brilliant idea, the sort of thing I’m sure Trier approved of. Unlike many a ghostly villain, The Badabook itself is one of the more terrifying characters of recent years, for more than one reason. Kent studied acting alongside leading lady Essie Davis and I think the fact that they were both close is one of the reasons the film works so well. Davis is captivating and utterly believable as a young single Mum, haunted by The Badabook and struggling to bring up her erratic son Sam. Sam is played by young Noah Wiseman who is sensational in his rather complicated role. I'm not sure the film would have worked so well had it not been for the brilliant chemistry between Davis and Wiseman. The idea is original and gives the viewer a lot to think about, mix this with the beautiful visuals with a strong German expressionist style, you've got a modern day horror/thriller that feels like one of the great horror films of the 1970s. The 70s had the best of everything in my opinion but directors like Roman Polanski, John Carpenter, Stanley Kubrick, Nicolas Roeg and Dario Argento (to mention just a few) were really pushing the boundaries in the genre and making some stunning and terrifying films. Kent's The Badabook really does fit in with these film. The Exorcist director William Friedkin stated on twitter that the film was as good as Psycho, Alien and Diabolique and that he hadn't ever seen a more terrifying film. High praise indeed and Kent deserved it.