What did the Babadook want? This question has lingered in the minds of countless viewers since the release of the Australian horror film “The Babadook” in 2014. Directed by Jennifer Kent, the film tells the story of a young girl named Sam who is haunted by a mysterious entity known as the Babadook. As the story unfolds, the audience is left pondering the true intentions of this malevolent figure. In this article, we will delve into the possible reasons behind the Babadook’s desires and the impact it has on the lives of those it encounters.
The Babadook is a creature that appears to Sam as a large, shadowy figure with glowing red eyes. It speaks in a haunting, whispering voice and seems to be driven by a singular purpose. While the film never explicitly states what the Babadook wants, there are several theories that attempt to unravel its motives.
One popular theory suggests that the Babadook is a manifestation of Sam’s inner fears and insecurities. As a young girl who has recently lost her mother to cancer, Sam is dealing with immense grief and anxiety. The Babadook’s appearance could be a reflection of her subconscious mind, trying to cope with her emotional turmoil. In this sense, the Babadook’s desire might be to provide Sam with comfort and guidance, albeit in a twisted, nightmarish form.
Another theory posits that the Babadook is a guardian angel of sorts, sent to protect Sam from her abusive father. The creature’s menacing presence could be a way to deter her father from causing harm to her. This interpretation suggests that the Babadook’s true intention is to ensure Sam’s safety and well-being, even if its methods are unconventional and terrifying.
Furthermore, some viewers believe that the Babadook represents the collective fears of society. Its presence in Sam’s life could symbolize the anxiety and uncertainty that many people face in their daily lives. In this context, the Babadook’s want might be to remind us of the importance of confronting our fears and facing the darkness within us.
The film’s ambiguous ending leaves the audience with more questions than answers. Some viewers argue that the Babadook never truly wanted anything, as it is driven solely by its existence and the need to consume. In this interpretation, the Babadook’s want is simply to survive and propagate its kind, at any cost.
Regardless of the Babadook’s true intentions, the film’s exploration of the theme of what it wants serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition. It raises questions about the nature of fear, the importance of facing our demons, and the complex relationship between parent and child. “The Babadook” is a chilling reminder that sometimes, the things that haunt us are not just in our minds, but in the world around us as well.
