PopHorror Let's Get Scared
One of the really cool things I get to do here at PopHorror is review a wide variety of films. I’ve had the chance to view some incredible movies that I may not otherwise have had an opportunity to see. I decided to watch BAB for the Nightmares Film Festival 2020. This is my first Nightmares Film Festival, and hopefully, it won’t be my last. The program lineup in this event is carefully curated and excellent!
BAB was written and directed by Joe DeBoer and Kyle McConaghy and stars Nick Heyman, Sterling Mason Jr., Sarah Dumont (Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse 2015) Robert Miano (Fast and Furious 2009), and Suzan Crowley (The Devil Inside 2012).
BAB Synopsis:
In a dying 1950s town, a mysterious traveler propositions a young farmhand, Donnie, to help take down the town’s tyrannical leader in exchange for the release of Donnie’s mother from a primitive mind rehabilitation center.
My Thoughts:
I was drawn in to BAB right from the start, and it didn’t fall flat for me at any point. The film is well-written and directed. The mindful preparation and eye for detail to the 50s is impeccable. The atmosphere of this dying town is uncomfortable to watch, which is exactly how it should be. The actors’ executions are not only strong, but each one’s portrayal of their character is near flawless. The combination of the above elements make for a cringeworthy and satisfying dramatic thriller.
Its premise is simple enough. BAB opens with Donnie’s mother driving up to a shady and primitive mental rehabilitation center. Donnie is a just young boy, and his baby sister is in the back seat. Mom asks him to take care of his sibling and says she will be back soon. It is here we meet Bascum, the bully of the town. He is a vile human being and a undeniable force to be reckoned with.
As you may have anticipated, the mother doesn’t come back. Fast forward to about fourteen years later, and Donnie is a farmhand taking care of his fourteen-year-old sister, Bab. He meets a mysterious stranger, and together, they plan to take down the tyrant in exchange for the release of their mother. The plan goes into effect, and of course, there some bumps along the way leading up to, “Will Donnie succeed, and will Bab and him be reunited with their mother?” To answer that question, you’ll just have to watch.
My Final Thoughts:
I’ll be honest. BAB isn’t a movie I’d normally choose to watch. With that said, I’m delighted I decided to give it a whirl and review it. BAB left me unnerved and undoubtedly made me think long after the credits. Its uniqueness alone makes it worth a watch.
