The Boogeyman (2023) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Boogeyman (2023), directed by Rob Savage, is a modern horror film adapted from a short story by Stephen King. Known for his ability to weave terror from everyday fears, King’s tale of an unseen terror lurking in the shadows gets a fresh treatment in this chilling adaptation. The movie dives into the primal fear of the dark, exploring themes of grief, trauma, and how children and adults cope with fear.
In this review, we’ll break down the plot, performances, and scare factors of The Boogeyman, while also detailing where to stream or rent the film online in the U.S.
Plot Overview
The film follows the Harper family, still reeling from the sudden death of the mother, which has left everyone emotionally devastated. The father, Will Harper (Chris Messina), a therapist struggling to keep his family together, is distant and focused on his work, while his daughters Sadie (Sophie Thatcher) and Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair) attempt to cope with their grief in their own ways. Sadie, a high schooler, feels lost and unsupported, while young Sawyer is terrified by something sinister that she believes is hiding in the dark.
Their fragile existence is shattered when one of Will’s patients, Lester Billings (David Dastmalchian), visits their home. Distraught and desperate, Lester reveals that his children have been killed by an entity lurking in the shadows—the Boogeyman. Shortly after, strange occurrences begin happening around the Harper household. Lights flicker, ominous shadows stretch across the walls, and the children start seeing something terrifying in the dark corners of their home.
As the creature grows more aggressive, it becomes clear that the Boogeyman is feeding off their fear and grief. The Harper family must confront their emotional wounds and find a way to fight back against the supernatural entity threatening to consume them.
Performances
The cast of The Boogeyman delivers strong performances, grounding the supernatural horror in emotional realism.
Sophie Thatcher shines as Sadie Harper, the film’s central character. Thatcher, who gained recognition from her role in Yellowjackets, portrays Sadie’s emotional journey with depth and vulnerability. Her character is not just facing a supernatural threat, but also dealing with the unresolved trauma of losing her mother. This dual struggle gives Sadie a compelling arc as she must confront both her inner demons and the Boogeyman itself.
Vivien Lyra Blair, known for her role as young Leia in Obi-Wan Kenobi, plays the younger sister Sawyer, whose innocence makes her the perfect target for the lurking creature. Blair’s portrayal of a frightened yet resilient child adds emotional weight to the film, as her character grapples with the terror of the unseen presence haunting her.
Chris Messina brings a somber, restrained performance as Will, the distant father trying to hold his family together while grappling with his own grief. Messina’s portrayal of a man too caught up in his work to realize the danger his children are in makes the family dynamic feel authentic, adding layers to the film’s emotional tension.
David Dastmalchian, though in a smaller role as Lester Billings, leaves a lasting impression. His unsettling presence as a man haunted by the Boogeyman sets the tone for the film’s psychological horror.
A Return to Classic Horror
The Boogeyman taps into classic horror tropes, particularly the fear of the unknown and what lurks in the dark. The titular creature is never fully seen in the early parts of the film, which heightens the tension and suspense. Director Rob Savage masterfully builds an atmosphere of dread, using clever camera work, shadowy lighting, and eerie sound design to evoke the feeling that something is always watching the characters.
This psychological approach to horror, relying on what is not seen as much as what is, is reminiscent of classic horror films like The Babadook (2014) and The Conjuring (2013). The Boogeyman thrives on the fears and traumas of its victims, making it not just a physical threat, but a manifestation of the characters’ emotional turmoil. This duality of terror—both supernatural and psychological—gives the film a deeper resonance than your average monster movie.
Themes of Grief and Fear
At its core, The Boogeyman explores how unresolved grief and trauma can manifest in harmful ways. The Boogeyman itself is a metaphor for the darkness that people carry inside themselves—fear, loss, and emotional pain. The creature preys on those emotions, making it a fitting symbol for the characters’ internal struggles.
Sadie’s journey of coping with her mother’s death is intertwined with her battle against the Boogeyman. As she tries to come to terms with her loss, she must also gather the courage to face the creature that thrives in the dark, representing her unresolved grief.
The film doesn’t just aim to scare audiences with jump scares and creepy visuals (although it does those effectively); it also serves as a commentary on how people deal with trauma. The Boogeyman becomes more powerful the more the characters ignore or suppress their emotions, illustrating the dangers of bottling up grief.
Scare Factor and Cinematic Techniques
One of the film’s strengths is its use of tension-building techniques. Rather than relying solely on predictable jump scares, Savage employs a slow-burn approach to horror. The Boogeyman is often suggested rather than shown, with the shadows and darkness becoming characters themselves. The use of light—flashlights, candles, and other light sources—plays a significant role in heightening the terror. The creature’s attacks are often preceded by an unnerving flicker of lights, signaling its impending presence.
The film’s creature design is another high point. The Boogeyman’s true form is only partially revealed throughout the movie, adding to the fear of the unknown. It lurks in the corners, hiding in closets and under beds, tapping into childhood fears that nearly everyone can relate to.
The sound design also plays a crucial role in creating a nerve-wracking atmosphere. The creaking of floorboards, distant whispers, and sudden thuds are used effectively to keep viewers on edge.
Where to Watch The Boogeyman (2023) Online
If you’re ready to face your fears and watch The Boogeyman, here’s where you can find the film available for streaming or rent in the U.S.
Streaming Services
- Hulu – The Boogeyman is available to stream on Hulu for subscribers. As part of its growing library of horror films, Hulu offers the movie for those seeking a fright-filled night.
- HBO Max – The film can also be found on HBO Max, available for streaming with a subscription.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you prefer to rent or buy the film instead of subscribing to a streaming service, The Boogeyman is also available on these platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video – Rent the movie for $5.99 or purchase it for $19.99.
- Apple iTunes – The Boogeyman can be rented for $5.99 or purchased for $19.99 on iTunes.
- Google Play Movies – Rent the film for $5.99 or purchase it for $19.99 on Google Play.
- Vudu – The Boogeyman is available for rental at $5.99 and purchase at $19.99.
Why The Boogeyman is a Must-Watch for Horror Fans
The Boogeyman (2023) is a film that delivers a chilling mix of psychological and supernatural horror, offering more than just traditional jump scares. Its exploration of grief and trauma gives it emotional depth, while its clever use of lighting, sound, and shadow creates a suspenseful atmosphere that will keep viewers on edge.
For fans of Stephen King adaptations, this film stays true to the spirit of the original short story while expanding on its themes in new and interesting ways. The performances, especially from Sophie Thatcher and Vivien Lyra Blair, add heart to the horror, making this a movie that’s as emotionally compelling as it is terrifying.
Conclusion
The Boogeyman (2023) is a spine-chilling adaptation of Stephen King’s short story, expertly blending supernatural horror with emotional depth. With strong performances, especially from Sophie Thatcher and Vivien Lyra Blair, the film explores themes of grief, fear, and trauma in a way that makes it more than just a monster movie.
For U.S. audiences, The Boogeyman is available for streaming on Hulu and HBO Max, with rental and purchase options available on Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu. Whether you’re a fan of Stephen King or simply love a good scare, The Boogeyman is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
