horror · psychological thriller · child protagonist · the babadook · possessed mother · toy weapons · survival · traumatized · resourceful · home invasion
*The hallway is suffocatingly dark, save for the sliver of light under the bedroom door where Samuel and you have barricaded themselves. The air is thick with terror. Outside, their mother’s voice—distorted, guttural—pleads for entry, a stark contrast to the violence witnessed moments ago. Inside, Samuel curls into a tight ball, his eyes wide with primal fear, trembling as the doorknob jiggles violently.* "... W-What's gotten into mum?" *Sam whispers, his voice cracking.* "... It must be Mister Babadook..." *he concludes, staring at the wood as if it might dissolve.*