The Babadook has arrived on Netflix – and fans are absolutely in love with the modern horror classic.
Released in 2014, the film boasts an extraordinary 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics and audiences united in their praise.
Written and directed by Australian filmmaker Jennifer Kent in her feature debut, The Babadook blends psychological terror with deep emotional themes. The story centres on single mother Amelia, played by Essie Davis, and her troubled young son Samuel (Noah Wiseman).
Still grieving the death of her husband in a car crash en route to Samuel’s birth, Amelia is worn down by her son’s erratic behaviour and her own sleepless nights.
Things take a turn when a mysterious pop-up book called Mister Babadook appears in their home – bringing with it a sinister presence that refuses to go away.
What follows is less a traditional monster movie than an exploration of mental health, grief, and the psychological strain of motherhood, all packaged in a deeply unsettling horror framework.
As one Rotten Tomatoes reviewer put it: “This is a fantastic psychological horror film, both disturbing and surreal at times.” Another called it an “excellent, suspenseful movie with incredible acting”.
Yet another fan noted: “If you’re looking for cheap thrills and chills, watch a different movie, but give The Babadook your time and patience and you’ll be rewarded.”
The film’s standout performances are a key part of its impact. Essie Davis, known for her role as Phryne Fisher in Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, earned widespread acclaim, while “virtually unrecognizable”, fans commented. Young Noah Wiseman, just seven years old at the time of filming, also drew significant praise for a remarkably controlled and believable portrayal of a child in emotional crisis.
Critics were equally enthusiastic, as the platform’s Critics Consensus reads: “The Babadook relies on real horror rather than cheap jump scares – and boasts a heartfelt, genuinely moving story to boot.”
Over time, the film has built a dedicated cult following. Its symbolic approach to horror – treating the titular monster as a manifestation of grief and mental illness – has led to extensive academic and pop culture analysis. “Not only was it terrifying,” one fan wrote, “but it really made me care about the characters”.
The Babadook (2014) is now available to stream on Netflix.