"The Babadook" is Jennifer Kents’ critically acclaimed feature length psychological horror, and it becomes a vessel for the exploration and analysis of mental illness. Specifically interpreted as clinical depression, this film follows the life of a widow, Amelia (played by Essie Davis), and her son Samuel (played by Noah Wiseman). After stumbling upon the book “Mister Babadook,” for a bedtime story, it not only mimics reality but also eerily comes to life.
Before the story of "The Babadook" comes to fruition, Amelia already seems to suffer from some form of illness. She has trouble sleeping, is irritable, has trouble performing simple tasks and struggles to keep her negative thoughts under control. From a neighbor, the audience learns that Amelia’s husband had died at the same time her son was born. As the audience follows Amelia's everyday struggle, it is juxtaposed with Samuels dying innocence ,as he becomes increasingly aware of his mother's condition. This is coupled with his aggressive temperament. One evening as he asks his mother to read the story of, “Mister Babadook,” the metaphor grows increasingly clear. Some phrases in the story include, “the more you deny, the stronger I get,” and, “you start to change when I get in.” The lines seem to correlate with depression. For example, resisting treatment may increase the severity of symptoms felt. In addition to behavioral changes, due to the chemical imbalance when experiencing depression. These chilling words echo, and the metaphor and symbolism grow tremendously, as the Babadook manifests itself.
When the Babadook is in its’ physical form, it grows into a dark shadow. It not only looms behind Amelia, and changes her behavior, but it constantly follows her no matter where she goes. The intensity increases as the Babadook starts to possess Amelia. All of this can be in reflection to depression. Depression is a factor that can alter a person behavior and outlook on life. It can be consuming both physically and mentally, and is inescapable in many regards. In the film, she never truly gets rid of the Babadook. In the story, it even says, “you can’t get rid of the Babadook.” Similarly, the Babadook never goes away, both the physical spirit and her illness remain as underlying factors. This,however, is suppressed and controlled as she locks her demon in the basement and feeds it worms. The worms can be seen as a symbol for antidepressants, singing to audiences that she is starting to take care of her mental health after becoming aware of it.
In "The Babadook," depression is a metaphor that is woven into the stories plot. It is embodied by a dark spirit, that follows the main protagonist. The plot line shows the struggle and the triumph of the characters against such force and in the end a hopeful beginning after taking charge.
