‘The Babadook’ Streaming on Netflix Until January 25

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If you’re someone who enjoys horror movies, it’s quite likely that you’ve already come across Jennifer Kent’s “The Babadook“. This exceptional horror production has earned a place as a classic in the genre and garnered a devoted following, making repeat viewings an inevitable part of being a fan. However, if “The Babadook” hasn’t crossed your screen yet, you should know that it will soon be departing from Netflix’s library.

On January 25th, The Babadook will no longer be available on Netflix, which is a real downer for fans of the genre who consider Kent’s movie one of the top horror films of the 2010s. After a long run on the streaming service, it’s now departing, along with titles like Zero Dark Thirty, Whitney, and both Jump Street movies featuring Channing Tatum, which are also leaving at the end of the month.

Written and directed by Kent, following his short film “Monster”, The Babadook is a chilling psychological horror movie that subtly bends the norms of its genre, leaving you with an uneasy sense that something isn’t quite right about its core narrative. Initially, it might seem like a tale focusing on a mother struggling to manage her son’s unpredictable behavior and a mysterious entity encroaching upon their lives. However, delving deeper into the plot summary may provide insights into what this film truly explores:

Six years following the tragic demise of her husband Oskar, Amelia finds herself at a crossroads. She grapples with managing her unruly six-year-old son, Samuel, whom she finds it difficult to connect with emotionally. In his dreams, he sees a monstrous figure that he believes is planning to take their lives. Upon the arrival of an unsettling children’s book titled The Babadook at their home, Samuel becomes convinced that the Babadook is the terror from his nightmares. His hallucinations escalate, leading him to act erratically and aggressively. Overwhelmed by her son’s behavior and genuinely scared for their safety, Amelia resorts to medicating him. However, as she experiences eerie occurrences around her, she starts to contemplate the possibility that the creature Samuel has been cautioning her about may indeed exist.

2014 saw the debut of “The Babadook”, which was warmly received by critics. Originally unveiled in Australia, where it was produced, it truly shone when it was screened beyond its home turf and festival circuits. Its international release brought it the recognition it deserved. The film’s box office performance was satisfactory, while critics heaped praise upon it. To this day, it maintains a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and with each passing year, it garners even more acclaim from new admirers who continue to discover it long after its initial release.

But What Exactly Is the Babadook?

Regarding the central character in the movie “The Babadook“, let’s set aside the “queer icon” memes for now (even though they can be amusing) and focus on the film’s profound symbolism instead. Characters Amelia and Sam are portrayed as victims of deep-seated grief, a sorrow so overwhelming that it materializes into a menacing monster. This monster culminates in showing Amelia a terrifying vision of her son Oskar’s demise. Amelia confronts the Babadook or her own trauma, and ultimately learns to move forward, marking this as the most straightforward interpretation.

In addition to being a horror film, The Babadook delves into the complex aspects of motherhood, particularly its darker, traumatic facets. This includes the struggle with giving life and the inability to maintain it due to deep-seated grief. Amelia is a complex character who embodies more than just the fear and hysteria that are initially apparent; she also represents a woman struggling to meet society’s expectations of motherhood, and her failure to do so effectively. The Babadook amplifies these struggles, serving as a symbol of her inner turmoil.

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2025-01-13 21:04