Celebrating a decade of ‘The Babadook’: A conversation with Jennifer Kent and Alfonso Cuarón
A special re-release for horror fans
In a unique celebration of the 10th anniversary of the modern horror classic The Babadook, a 30-minute filmed conversation between Mexican auteur Alfonso Cuarón and Australian writer-director Jennifer Kent will follow each screening. This special event is set to captivate audiences across the U.S., offering an in-depth look into the making of the film and the creative minds behind it.
Cuarón’s admiration for ‘The Babadook’
During a recent masterclass at the Locarno Film Festival, Cuarón expressed his interest in exploring the horror genre, specifically highlighting The Babadook. He praised the film for its grounding in reality and character, noting its thematic depth and cinematic confidence. This admiration led IFC Films, which had previously released Cuarón’s Y Tu Mamá También in 2002, to reach out to him for a special in-theaters-only Q&A with Kent. Their filmed conversation will be a cinephile’s delight, playing in theaters following every screening.
A deep dive into horror’s artistic roots
In their conversation, Cuarón shares his initial reaction to The Babadook, stating he was “absolutely impressed by the thematic approach” and the film’s assured cinematic style. Kent, in turn, reveals her journey through the ”canon of beautiful artistic horror,” immersing herself in classics like Robert Wiene’s The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920), F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu (1922), and Carl Dreyer’s Vampyr (1932) before embarking on her own project.
The story behind ‘The Babadook’
Expanded from her award-winning 2005 short Monster, The Babadook marks Kent’s feature debut. The film revolves around Amelia (Essie Davis), who is struggling to cope six years after the violent death of her husband. She faces the challenge of disciplining her six-year-old son, Samuel (Noah Wiseman), whose dreams are haunted by a monster he believes is coming to kill them both. When a disturbing storybook called “The Babadook” appears in their home, Samuel becomes convinced that the creature from his nightmares is real. As his hallucinations spiral out of control, Amelia is forced to medicate him. However, she soon begins to see glimpses of a sinister presence herself, leading her to question the reality of Samuel’s warnings.
A critical and commercial success
The Babadook premiered at Sundance in 2014 and garnered over 100 nominations and awards internationally. Critics praised the film for its meticulous design and direction, with one review noting that it “delivers real, seat-grabbing jolts while also touching on more serious themes of loss, grief, and other demons that cannot be easily vanquished.”
The re-release event
In partnership with Iconic Events Releasing, IFC Films is re-releasing The Babadook across more than 500 screens in the U.S. starting September 19. This re-release not only offers a chance for new audiences to experience the film but also provides long-time fans with a deeper understanding of its creation through the exclusive conversation between Kent and Cuarón.
Reflecting on the impact of ‘The Babadook’
For cinema enthusiasts, The Babadook stands as a testament to the power of horror to explore profound human emotions. The film’s exploration of grief, loss, and the darker aspects of the human psyche resonates deeply, making it a modern classic in the genre. The re-release and accompanying conversation offer a unique opportunity to revisit this impactful film and gain new insights into its creation and themes.
Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the world of The Babadook, this anniversary event promises to be a memorable experience, blending cinematic artistry with thoughtful discussion. Don’t miss the chance to see this horror masterpiece on the big screen once again and delve into the minds of its creators.