Chapter 8: A Bad Book

This time we talk about The Babadook (2014) by Jennifer Kent. The Australian horror movie left an impact on me with its meditation of death and suppression of trauma. The movie challenges medicating to solve deeper issues, the avoidance of dealing with traumatic experiences and the idea that trauma is something we can just overcome or put “behind us”. While there may very well be people that may describe as having overcome their trauma, trauma is something we live with and must navigate in our own unique way, it demands to be acknowledged. The horror is how trauma can manifest and how it can be passed on if unchecked. I hope you all enjoy the discussion and my analysis of the movie. Books referenced in the podcast include: "Trauma and Recovery: The aftermath of violence - from domestic abuse to political terror" by Judith Herman. "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel Van Der Kolk. "The Deepest Well: Healing the long-term effects of childhood adversity" by Nadine Burke Harris.

Follow the show’s Instagram at @thedescent_horrorshow. 

Artwork by @muffinpines 

Ending song by Pissi Myles - Babashook 

Article on how the Babadook became a queer icon by The Guardian