The Babadook delves deep into dark themes such as motherhood, grief, loss, and mental illness, which shape its unsettling narrative. The film’s ending raises many questions, yet it is ultimately conclusive about the fate of the monster and the family it terrorizes. Single mother Amelia grapples with depression after losing her husband in a car crash, all while her son Samuel becomes obsessed with a terrifying figure, Mister Babadook, believing it will come for him as Amelia struggles with the pressures of raising Samuel on her own, a connection to her grief and resentment builds, fueling the monstrous presence that haunts them.
As Amelia becomes more resentful of her son, despite her instinct to protect him, the Babadook grows stronger, feeding on their fraught relationship. This horror story focuses on a mother and child trying to overcome a malevolent force, all while experiencing personal growth. The ending, however, marks a significant departure from typical horror films, sparking extensive discussion among critics and fans alike.
The Babadook Ending Explained
The line “If it’s in a word or in a look, you can’t get rid of The Babadook” offers a key insight into the monster’s deeper significance: it symbolizes depression. Amelia’s grief following her husband’s death, coupled with her struggles with unexpected single motherhood, serves as the psychological foundation of the story. The film explores these themes of mental illness and trauma, drawing parallels with other films like Black Swan and Jacob’s Ladder, which depict the descent into madness or PTSD. The Babadook stands out for its portrayal of how horror can act as a lens for examining psychological struggles.
What the Ending of The Babadook Truly Represents
In the film’s climactic scene, Amelia confronts the Babadook and locks it in the basement, but as the story suggests, the monster cannot be fully eradicated. Instead of attempting to destroy it, Amelia and Samuel must learn to live with it. This reflects the central theme of the film: overcoming one’s inner demons often involves coexisting with them rather than defeating them completely. The Babadook becomes a part of their lives, and Amelia nurtures it by bringing it earthworms to feed. In essence, this ending mirrors the reality of living with depression—something that may never disappear but must be managed.
Much like the series Shining Vale, The Babadook highlights how people with mental health struggles must find ways to endure their burdens, even if they cannot expunge them entirely. Amelia’s efforts to live with the monster reflect the nuanced nature of overcoming depression. This represents a metaphorical acknowledgment that mental illness, much like the Babadook, is not something that can be wiped away but must be faced with acceptance.
Does The Babadook Contain LGBTQ+ Themes?
The Babadook’s themes have been embraced by LGBTQ+ communities, particularly its exploration of hidden emotions and the process of confronting one’s internal darkness. Many queer viewers have connected with the film’s portrayal of suppressing one’s true self, seeing parallels with their own experiences. Surprisingly, however, director Jennifer Kent did not intend for the film to carry explicit LGBTQ+ themes. In an interview, she expressed her surprise and delight at the Babadook’s unexpected status as an LGBTQ+ icon.
While Kent did not set out to create a film specifically for queer audiences, the film’s rich metaphor about emotional suppression resonates with many, including those beyond the LGBTQ+ community. Some autistic viewers, for instance, have found similarities between their own experiences and those of the characters, particularly in Sam’s social struggles and obsessions.
Jennifer Kent’s Perspective on The Babadook’s Meaning
For director Jennifer Kent, The Babadook explores the necessity of confronting the darkness within oneself. Drawing inspiration from her work with Danish director Lars von Trier, Kent crafted a suffocating, domestic atmosphere that mirrors Amelia’s emotional state. The horror in the film, according to Kent, is a byproduct of the deeper, more universal theme of facing one’s unresolved trauma. She reflects on the core idea of the film: “I wanted to talk about the need to face the darkness in ourselves and in our lives.”
Why The Babadook’s Ending is Perfect and Doesn’t Need a Sequel
The Babadook stands as a rare example of a film with a fully realized and satisfying conclusion. Despite fan requests for a sequel, Jennifer Kent has wisely chosen not to pursue one. The film’s ending offers closure and avoids unnecessary cliffhangers or unresolved questions. The understanding and uneasy peace that emerges between Amelia and the Babadook are poignant, and a sequel would undermine this delicate resolution.
A follow-up would imply that the peace between Amelia and the Babadook didn’t last, thus cheapening the film’s message about living with one’s inner demons. By choosing not to expand the story into a franchise, The Babadook maintains its integrity, allowing its central metaphor of depression and acceptance to remain intact. The film ends perfectly, without the need for further exploration.
The Babadook’s Ending and Its Legacy
Released in 2014, The Babadook quickly became a defining entry in modern horror. Though the film’s ending left some questions unanswered, it has helped solidify its place as a contemporary classic. The film blends traditional horror elements with deeper psychological themes, leaving the audience with a sense of ambiguity rather than a clear-cut resolution. This approach has contributed to the rise of the “horror” movement, alongside films like It Follows, The Witch, and Get Out, all of which explore more nuanced, artistic approaches to the genre.
The movie’s conclusion may have left some feeling unsettled, but it has also propelled The Babadook into the modern horror masterpieces. Even Scream 2022 references the film, highlighting its cultural significance. The character Tara Carpenter mentions The Babadook in a playful exchange, underscoring its continued impact on horror fans.
The Babadook’s Place Among Other Horror Movies
The Babadook fits neatly within a wave of high horror films that tackle real-world issues through supernatural or unseen entities. Like other films in this genre, it focuses on internal struggles rather than external threats. This subgenre often subverts traditional horror tropes, as seen in films like Hereditary and Smile, where the protagonists face dark forces that ultimately consume them. The Babadook, however, takes a different approach: rather than having the characters defeat the monster, it centers on their ability to live with it.
In a sense, The Babadook offers one of the most optimistic endings in the high horror genre. The protagonist does not triumph over evil but instead learns to live alongside it. This mirrors the reality of living with depression—something that cannot always be “overcome” but can be managed with acceptance. This thematic depth makes The Babadook a standout example of modern horror, and its refusal to wrap up neatly with a “happy” ending is one of the reasons it continues to be celebrated.
