From its earliest days as a cinema, The Brattle has championed women directors and we have been pleased to continue that focus during the tenure of the Brattle Film Foundation. One of the films that we are proudest to have premiered is THE BABADOOK. Not only a sensational supernatural thriller and a landmark of woman-directed horror, THE BABADOOK became a surprise hit at its release and has since become an influential piece of cinema and cultural artifact. 

In Jennifer Kent’s frightening portrayal of grief and repression, a mother and her young son deal with the tragedy of a dead husband/father while fending off the disturbing encroachment of a figure known as The Babadook – a black cloaked fiend with unknown intentions. Unlike many contemporary horror films, THE BABADOOK relies on a pervasive sense of dread and unease rather than cheap scares and reveals that sometimes the real monsters aren’t just in our heads or hidden in the shadows... sometimes they’re both.

“Jennifer Kent is maestro of moody ambiance and emotional turmoil.” – Tom Meek, Cambridge Day

“It's become increasingly rare for horror films to make an effort to truly scare us these days, but Jennifer Kent's 'The Babadook' gets under the skin in ways that are both visceral and highly emotional.” – Britt Hayes, ScreenCrush

“I can't think of a movie since Rosemary's Baby which acknowledges the unspoken fears of motherhood with such humor, horror, and compassion.” – Lesley Coffin, The Mary Sue