The Babadook

The Babadook

Year: 2014

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Jennifer Kent

DramaThrillerHorror

A troubled mother, Amelia, finds her already difficult relationship with her son amplified by a disturbing pop-up book titled "The Babadook." The book tells a frightening story about a monster that haunts those who read it, and soon, unsettling events begin to occur in their home. As Amelia battles her grief and struggles to protect her son, she questions her sanity and must confront a growing sense of dread and a potential supernatural threat.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Babadook yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Babadook (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Babadook (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern-day family dynamics and mental health challenges. The story takes place in a familiar setting that resonates with the audience, emphasizing the internal battles faced by the characters rather than focusing on a specific historical context.

Location

Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia, known for its vibrant cultural festival scene and rich history. The city is characterized by its parklands, beautiful beaches, and a blend of colonial and contemporary architecture, providing a serene backdrop for personal struggles and supernatural events.

🏙️ City 🌏 Australia

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Main Characters – The Babadook (2014)

Meet the key characters of The Babadook (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Amelia Vanek (Essie Davis)

Amelia is a deeply troubled widow navigating life after the tragic death of her husband. Her struggle with grief and mental health leads to erratic behaviors, making her a complex character whose journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring as she ultimately learns to embrace motherhood amidst chaos.

😢 Grieving 🏰 Haunted ❤️ Mother

Samuel Vanek (Noah Wiseman)

Samuel, Amelia's young son, is depicted as a sensitive and imaginative child who becomes fixated on the Babadook. His behavior reflects the impact of his father's death and his mother's struggles, as he desperately seeks comfort and understanding while fighting to protect his family.

👶 Innocence 🌌 Imaginative 💔 Vulnerable

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Major Themes – The Babadook (2014)

Explore the central themes of The Babadook (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief

Grief is a central theme in The Babadook, as Amelia copes with the loss of her husband and struggles to raise her son amidst her emotional turmoil. This theme is intricately woven into the fabric of the narrative, showing how unresolved grief can manifest as psychological distress and impact familial relationships.

👹 Fear

The theme of fear is prevalent throughout the film, primarily embodied by the Babadook itself, which symbolizes Amelia's internalized dread and anxiety. The movie explores how fear can distort reality, leading to irrational behavior and the rise of monstrous elements that threaten both characters' safety.

🌀 Mental Health

Mental health is portrayed in a complex manner, highlighting Amelia's struggle with her deteriorating condition as she battles the Babadook. The film delves into the stigma surrounding mental illness and emphasizes the importance of support and understanding in overcoming personal demons.

❤️ Motherhood

Motherhood is a key aspect of Amelia's character, showcasing her journey from despair to empowerment. The film illustrates her deep love for Sam, as she navigates the challenges of parenting in the wake of grief, ultimately finding strength in her relationship with her son.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Unlock the Full Story of The Babadook

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Babadook in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Babadook is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Babadook Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Babadook, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Babadook Summary

The Babadook Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Babadook with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Babadook Timeline

More About The Babadook

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Babadook: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Babadook

Similar Movies to The Babadook

Discover movies like The Babadook that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.