The Babysitter (2017) Movie Review: A Dark Comedy-Horror to Watch Online
“The Babysitter” (2017) is a unique blend of dark comedy and slasher horror directed by McG and released by Netflix. With an offbeat style, bloody action, and a witty script, it quickly became a favorite for fans of both horror and humor. The movie stars Judah Lewis as Cole, a nerdy 12-year-old, and Samara Weaving as Bee, his seemingly perfect babysitter who turns out to have some sinister secrets. In this article, we’ll explore the movie’s plot, cast, and why it has become a cult hit since its release, as well as where to stream it online in 2024.
Plot Summary: When Babysitting Turns Deadly
At the heart of The Babysitter is Cole (Judah Lewis), a timid preteen who’s afraid of just about everything. His overprotective parents still hire Bee (Samara Weaving), his gorgeous, charismatic, and seemingly cool babysitter, to take care of him while they go away. Cole, like most boys his age, has a bit of a crush on Bee, who treats him like a friend and makes babysitting fun. However, things take a dark and deadly turn when Cole decides to stay up past his bedtime and discovers Bee and her friends performing a satanic ritual in the living room.
Bee, along with a group of her seemingly innocent but dangerous friends—including characters played by Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne, and Andrew Bachelor—are revealed to be part of a demonic cult. Their plan? To sacrifice Cole to complete their ritual and gain supernatural powers. What follows is a fast-paced, blood-soaked night of cat-and-mouse as Cole tries to survive the night while being hunted by Bee and her killer crew.
Cast and Performances: Standout Stars of Dark Comedy
Samara Weaving shines as Bee, the manipulative but strangely charming babysitter who can switch from loving caretaker to a ruthless cult leader in the blink of an eye. Her performance walks a fine line between sweet and terrifying, making Bee one of the most memorable characters in modern horror-comedy.
Judah Lewis brings an earnestness to the role of Cole, playing the vulnerable and naive preteen who’s thrust into a terrifying situation but grows stronger as the night progresses. His evolution from scared child to resourceful survivor is one of the highlights of the movie.
The supporting cast also adds layers of humor and over-the-top violence to the movie. Robbie Amell’s portrayal of Max, a shirtless psychopath who’s also oddly motivational toward Cole, is particularly hilarious. Bella Thorne’s cheerleader character, Allison, plays the stereotypical airhead, delivering some of the film’s best comedic moments even while drenched in blood.
Direction and Tone: A Fun Mix of Horror and Humor
Director McG is known for his high-energy, flashy style, which translates well into The Babysitter. The film’s pacing is quick, the action is brutal yet cartoonish, and the humor often breaks the tension of the more horrific scenes. McG strikes a balance between horror and comedy, giving fans plenty of jump scares and gore while keeping the tone lighthearted enough to appeal to a broader audience.
The script by Brian Duffield also stands out, full of sharp dialogue, genre-savvy humor, and self-referential nods to classic horror films. The babysitter horror trope gets flipped on its head with a modern twist, allowing the movie to feel fresh even though it plays with familiar horror conventions.
Critical Reception: A Cult Favorite with Mixed Reviews
When The Babysitter was released in 2017, it garnered a mixed reception from critics but quickly found a loyal fanbase on Netflix. Some reviewers praised the film’s quirky humor, campy gore, and Samara Weaving’s performance, while others felt that its reliance on genre clichés held it back.
Despite the mixed reviews, The Babysitter has grown into a cult favorite, particularly among horror-comedy fans. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, making it a fun watch for those who enjoy both the ridiculous and the terrifying. It also spawned a sequel, The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020), continuing the story of Cole and Bee’s deadly antics.
Where to Watch “The Babysitter” Online in 2024
As of 2024, The Babysitter is still primarily available through Netflix, as it was a Netflix original film. Here’s a breakdown of how and where to stream this darkly funny horror flick:
1. Netflix (Subscription-Based)
- Netflix: Since The Babysitter is a Netflix original, it is exclusively available on the platform. Viewers with a Netflix subscription can stream the movie in high definition, making it a convenient and affordable option for most horror fans. Netflix also hosts the sequel The Babysitter: Killer Queen, which continues Cole’s story two years after the events of the first movie.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
While The Babysitter is a Netflix original, it may not be available for rental or purchase on traditional VOD platforms like Google Play, Apple iTunes, or Amazon Prime Video, as Netflix generally keeps its original content exclusive to its platform. However, here’s a brief overview of other services where similar Netflix originals might become available, just in case:
- Google Play Movies & TV: Occasionally, Netflix allows some of its original films to be rented or purchased on third-party services, but this is rare.
- YouTube Movies: Similar to Google Play, it’s worth checking if Netflix releases any of its original films for rent or purchase, but The Babysitter is likely to remain Netflix-exclusive.
- Apple iTunes: Apple may offer some Netflix originals in certain cases, but The Babysitter remains on Netflix as of now.
Conclusion: A Perfect Mix of Horror and Comedy for a Fun Night In
“The Babysitter” (2017) is a movie that perfectly blends over-the-top horror with comedic elements, creating a unique viewing experience that’s both gory and fun. Samara Weaving’s standout performance as the manipulative and sinister Bee, combined with the witty script and fast-paced action, makes it a great choice for fans of horror-comedy.
Whether you’re in the mood for a bloody slasher or just want a darkly humorous movie to watch with friends, The Babysitter offers something for everyone. The best part? It’s available to stream right now on Netflix, making it an easy pick for a thrilling movie night in 2024. If you haven’t seen it yet, prepare yourself for a bloody good time!
