The Babadook
Starring Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman, The Babadook is a striking psychological horror film based around the frustration and revulsions of parenthood. Davis plays a widowed mother whose husband died in a car accident on the way to the delivery room.
Armed with blood-curdling screams, her son (Wiseman) has some problems. Like some real problems. And the mother is caught between the strong annoyance she has for him and the love she’s supposed to provide – feelings that seem to take on a whole new meaning when a creepy pop-up book, “Mister Babadook,” shows up on his shelf.
Written and directed by Australian Jennifer Kent, The Babadook is stylish and frightening, both of which are amplified by Davis’ committed and dedicated performance.
The Omen
Released in 1976, The Omen is another horror classic, with plenty of suspense, violence and controversy interwoven into its ceaselessly entertaining tale. Starring the great Gregory Peck and directed by The Goonies’ Richard Donner, The Omen is an expertly told story, one that’s more than capable of keeping you up.
It follows Peck’s character, Robert Thorn, an American ambassador whose life is suddenly plagued by random, gruesome deaths. He turns to history to try and unravel this mystery, when it seems that perhaps the answers lie with his son, Damien (Harry Stephens). Paranoia sets in when all signs point to his kid being the Antichrist – the blood of the Devil.
More of a paranormal entry than most of the other films on this list, The Omen holds up and works much better than pretty much all of the slop that has come out recently – including any of the Paranormal Activity films, or the newer Texas Chainsaw Massacre pictures.
