The Babadook – Mondo Poster

The Babadook is more than just a a story about a boogeyman in a pop-up book. It’s a disturbing psychological thriller with nods to Polanski’s Repulsion, The Innocents and perhaps even John Carpenter’s Halloween when you view it as a film about an unstoppable presence that’s always drenched in shadow. The less we see, the scarier The Babadook becomes. Essie Davis’ performance as Amelia is incredibly intense as she spirals into madness. The knife becomes Amelia’s form of defence at some point and it also reflects the psychological meltdown we see her go through. And since we only see the Babadook in shadow or in deep darkness, it felt only natural to have him peeking from behind the blade.