The Babadook finds deep terror in real issues, tackling themes of grief and trauma with painful honesty. Flawed protagonists struggle through severe emotional burdens. There's supernatural horror that works as a literal monster or a metaphor for psychological distress. Thus, The Babadook allows interpretation, maximizing its meaning. Meanwhile, the acting is electric. Davis is a force of complex layers, gradual evolution, sudden outbursts, and vulnerable intensity. Through her commitment, she makes an extreme character highly relatable. Plus, she has effortless chemistry with Wiseman, who naturally shifts between angst, fear, and bravery. Consequently, The Babadook's drama is irresistible.
Technically, The Babadook is subtly dynamic. Its visuals utilize lighting, colors, motion, space, and composition. The efficient editing uses jump cuts, intercuts, montages, smash cuts, time lapses, inserts, and fades. The symbolic sound employs volume, stings, ambiance, split cuts, emphasis, distortions, and layering. Its subdued music adds mystical lullabies and rhythmic tension. The monochromatic production design provides unsettling artwork, locations, and monsters. Finally, the tangible effects supply blood, prosthetics, set destruction, wires, makeup, rigs, and CGI. Together, these aspects heighten the mental breakdown. Overall, The Babadook is a flood of haunting emotional weight.
Writing: 10/10
Direction: 10/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Acting: 10/10
Editing: 10/10
Sound: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10
Production Design: 9/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 8/10
Overall Score: 9.2/10
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