In a shadowy suburban house in Adelaide, Amelia, ESSIE DAVIS, lives with
her 6-year-old son, Samuel, NOAH WISEMAN. Amelia has never quite
recovered from the death of her husband, Oskar, in a car crash the day
Samuel was born. She's a kindly woman, who works in a home for old
people and worries about the violent tendencies of her hyper-active son.
Sam produces a book, Mr. Babadook, and asks his mother to read it - and
then strange and frightening events begin to happen.
Writer-director
Jennifer Kent succeeded at Sundance with this
minimalist but very effective horror film. Working on a limited budget Kent has achieved a great deal.
The film's chief success is in the acting. Essie Davis gives an
exceptionally fine performance as the traumatised woman whose terror
grows as the film proceeds while young Noah Wiseman is quite remarkable
as the out-of-control Samuel, sweet and loving one moment, diabolical
the next.
No cheap jump scares, this real psychological thriller boasts a heartfelt, genuinely moving story to boot.
Margaret & David from ABC's At The Movies awarded The Babadook 4.5* and 4* stars respectively
Reels Film Society is the South East's official Film Society. Members enjoy viewing a variety of award winning art-house and foreign films as well as Australian and International classics at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre in Mount Gambier. Each month lovers of cinema come together to appreciate quality movies, socialise and chat over nibbles and enjoy a pre-movie glass of fine wine from the Limestone Coast region. It's easy to become a member and new members are warmly welcomed.