HORROR: “Presence.” / “The Babadook.”

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“Presence” (2024, Hulu) supernatural thriller drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh. An unseen “presence” roams through a dark, empty suburban house. 



        Yes, Mr Soderberg did this boring ghost movie, experimenting with a boring single-angled camera, all happening inside a boring house. 

       Not to embarrass Steven, one critic did a hallelujah: "A slow-burning spectral thriller, ‘Presence’ reaffirms that Soderbergh plays with form as deftly as he flits between genres.” Another wrote, “I'd definitely recommend it.” Me? It's definitely one of the worst horror movies that I've ever seen. 🎭👎🎬


“The Babadook” (2014, Roku) Australian psychological horror film written and directed by Jennifer Kent in her feature directorial debut, based on her 2005 short film “Monster.”



       The film follows a widowed single mother who with her son must confront a mysterious humanoid monster in their home, which emanates from a children's book.

       Ms Kent had previously worked as a production assistant on Lars von Trier's “Dogville” (2003). The movie explores parenting, grief, and fear of madness. 

       Although this horror fare channels some stereotypes of the genre, “The Babadook” also succeeded in other areas, such as the trigger-snappy sound editing, visual minimalism, and the exemplary performance of Essie Davis as the tormented mom Amelia Vanek. 

       For a “measly” budget of $2 million (from government aid and crowdfunding), “The Babadook” earned $10.5 million, so far. Not bad. 🎥💻📽


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