“The Babadook” redefines horror films with its simple scares and hauntingly beautiful storytelling. Praised at the Sundance Film Festival, “The Babadook” has taken horror deeper into the corners of the human mind. Not only does this Australian film have elements of a classic creature feature, like suspense and a boogieman, it also deals with themes of grief and other psychological issues.

The film follows single mother Amelia (Essie Davis) as she tries to cope with her troubled son, Sam (Noah Wiseman), and the seven-year anniversary of her husband’s death. As Sam’s tantrums escalate, Amelia realizes they may be the result of a morbid children’s book, “Mister Babadook,” that mysteriously appeared on their doorstep. Sam is not only on edge at home, but also around his mother, who is steadily losing her own grip on reality.

The scares are real, but so are the emotions from Amelia and Sam. It’s the fear of losing a child or parent that drives the terror. Amelia’s and Sam’s perspectives as mother and son are what makes this film so mature in its execution.

As the film delves into motifs of family, grief, and loneliness, it never loses its creep factor. The simple design of the Babadook monster is unsettlingly perfect. Although the creature’s top hat, cloak-like body and long fingers may sound corny, it’s everything but. The fact that anyone can conjure it up in their mind makes it haunting and all the more real.

I give “The Babadook” the highest rating possible. Director Jennifer Kent has created a new genre with this blend of supernatural scares and the chaos of parenthood. The ending is unpredictable and satisfying, reminding us that our demons never disappear entirely.