‘The Babadook’ stills scares 10 years later, director reflects on the indie horror classic

AUSTIN – To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Jennifer Kent’s directorial debut The Babadook, the writer-director joined forces with filmmaker Mike Flanagan (known for Midnight Mass and Doctor Sleep) at Fantastic Fest last month for a live director’s commentary. SpectreVision Radio, co-founded by Elijah Wood, is planning to release the recording soon on Flanagan's Directors Commentary with Mike Flanagan podcast.

Ten years ago, The Babadook made a lasting impression at the Austin genre film festival, where it premiered regionally. The film, which explores the unsettling experiences of a struggling single mother, Amelia (played by Essie Davis), and her 6-year-old son, Sam (Noah Wiseman), has since become an important part of the festival's history.