The Babadook

Main Plot

"The Babadook," directed by Jennifer Kent, follows the story of Amelia, a widowed mother struggling to raise her troubled six-year-old son, Samuel. Samuel's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as he is plagued by visions of a monster he believes is coming to kill them. One night, they discover a mysterious pop-up book titled "Mister Babadook," which describes a sinister creature that torments its victims once they become aware of its existence. As strange occurrences escalate, Amelia begins to sense a malevolent presence in their home. The film delves into themes of grief, mental illness, and the bond between mother and child, exploring how unresolved trauma can manifest in terrifying ways. Amelia must confront her deepest fears and the darkness within herself to protect her son and reclaim their lives from the grip of the Babadook.

Characters

• Essie Davis plays Amelia, a grieving widow struggling with her son's fear of a sinister presence, ultimately confronting her own trauma and protecting her family.
• Noah Wiseman plays Samuel, a troubled boy who believes a sinister creature is haunting him and his mother, driving the plot's tension and emotional depth.
• Daniel Henshall plays Robbie, Amelia's colleague. He shows romantic interest in Amelia, providing a glimpse of normalcy amidst her escalating psychological turmoil.

Ending Explained

In the conclusion of Jennifer Kent's film "The Babadook," Amelia confronts the malevolent entity that has been terrorizing her and her son, Samuel. After a harrowing struggle, Amelia acknowledges her grief and rage over her husband's death, which the Babadook has been feeding on. This acknowledgment weakens the creature, allowing Amelia to assert control over it. She demands that the Babadook leave her son alone, and in a climactic moment, the entity retreats to the basement. In the aftermath, Amelia and Samuel begin to rebuild their lives. They establish a routine where Amelia periodically feeds the Babadook, which remains confined in the basement. This act symbolizes Amelia's ongoing process of managing her grief and trauma rather than allowing it to consume her. The film ends on a note of cautious optimism, with Amelia and Samuel celebrating his birthday, suggesting that while the Babadook (and thus their grief) is still present, it is now under control and no longer a threat to their daily lives.