#201: The Bobadook

Release Date: November 28th, 2014

Format: Streaming (Tubi)

Written by: Jennifer Kent

Directed by: Jennifer Kent

3 Stars

Here’s a competent, well-made little horror movie. I liked it.

I could have used more Bobadook.

As is, it’s a pretty basic boogeyman story about a child’s picture book nasty come to life. 

Visually it’s a bit of a slog. I know what writer/director Jennifer Kent was going for with the washed out, gray color scheme, namely a depressive tone that matches the depressive mood of our protagonist, Amelia, a widow raising her young child, Sam, who’s a real little pain in the ass who can’t stop misbehaving. Still though, it does drain the viewer, living in this digitally photographed, gray interior world.

The performances are strong though, and the storytelling is largely effective.

I just want a little more Bobadook.