As someone who regularly streams the best horror films on Netflix, I always go back to indie films that take horror to a whole new level This disturbing and thrilling drama has earned impressive scores on Rotten Tomatoes and is returning to theaters for its 10th anniversary (and I couldn't be more excited)

For those who have not experienced it, The Babadook is more than just a horror-drama film It is a detailed exploration of grief, motherhood, and the terrifying power of the unknown It will give you chills no matter how many times you watch it

Directed by Jennifer Kent, The Babadook tells the story of a widowed mother and her young son who are dealing with the lingering trauma of losing a loved one As their belief in a mysterious storybook monster grows, disturbing events soon occur that blur the line between reality and supernatural horror

If you've never seen the film, or if like me you'd rather relive your psychic experience on the big screen than stream it on Netflix, now is your chance The Babadook is a psycho horror drama focusing on widowed mother Amelia (Essie Davis) and her young son Samuel (Noah Wiseman), who struggles with grief over the death of Amelia's husband in a car accident Samuel becomes convinced that "Mr Babadook," a monster from a mysterious picture book, is real and haunts their home, causing him to develop problematic behavior

Amelia tries to cope with Samuel's increasingly erratic behavior, but she herself begins to experience strange and frightening events The film is praised for its ability to explore grief, motherhood, and psychosis as the Babadook's sinister presence slowly takes a toll on their sanity and relationship

What struck me most when I saw The Babadook was not only the terror it instills, but the raw emotion that runs through every scene The film captures the overwhelming sadness and loneliness that accompanies the death of a loved one and manages to cut deeply into the complexities of grief and loss Exhaustion, struggling to maintain one's strength, drowning in one's own unresolved grief, etc (there is an air of "Midsomer" about this film)

The film shows how grief can manifest itself in frightening and heartbreaking ways Amelia's relationship with Samuel is fraught with tension, and as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Babadook is not just a monster from a storybook, but a symbol of all the pain and trauma she cannot confront The emotional weight of her struggles is palpable, making the horror elements all the more intense

Most horror films today use cheap thrills and basic formulaic storytelling to "scare" the audience Sometimes it works, but it feels the same and is usually forgettable But one of the reasons I like "The Babadook" is that it stands out from the pack in telling its story in such a unique and powerful way

I can't help but be impressed that "The Babadook" explores dark themes so honestly These are the moments when Amelia feels trapped, angry, and afraid, not only of the Babadook, but of her own emotions It is this raw emotion that makes the film so powerful I can promise you that watching this film, even in the midst of supernatural horror, you will feel as if you are witnessing something deeper and real

IFC Films and Iconic Events Releasing are teaming up to bring "The Babadook" back to theaters across the country beginning September 19 to celebrate the film's 10th anniversary This special re-release will also feature an exclusive Q&A session with writer/director Jennifer Kent

The film is definitely worth seeing on the big screen if you like good horror, and others agree The Babadook scored an impressive 98% on Rotten Tomatoes when it was released in 2014, with audiences rating it as high as 72%"

Kristy Puchko of CinemaBlend says: "The Babadook is the best horror film of 2014 But backed by knockout performances and a haunting story that is beautifully shot and colored, The Babadook is so much more than that It's one of the best films of the year" Meanwhile, Wesley Morris of Grantland had some powerful words: "Sometimes when you go to see a film, you can tell from the first images that the people who made it know what they're doing You don't need to convince her You are there with her That's the case with Jennifer Kent's 'The Babadook'"

If you really want to see this film, but prefer to watch it at home, "The Babadook" is available on Netflix However, to experience this powerful film in its entirety, I highly recommend going to the cinema

Tickets will go on sale on August 14 prior to the September 19 theatrical release