The Northern Ireland Institute of Human Relations are proud to present a special viewing of the modern horror classic The Babadook, followed by analysis by Dr Eve Watson. The event takes place at 11am on Saturday the 25th of November at the Strand Arts Centre on the Holywood Road.
Read our review of ‘The Babadook’ from when it was released right here.
Jennifer Kent’s directorial debut was not a success on its original release in her native Australia, yet has become a cult and commercial success. It tells the story of Widow Amelia, who struggles raising her son after the loss of her husband. Things are hard enough, before a creature called Mr Babadook invites himself into the home…
As part of their regular Autumn movie series, the Northern Ireland Institute of Human Relations present a special viewing of the film, which will be followed by a talk from Dr Eve Watson. Drawing on years of academic study and psychotherapy practice, as well as a personal interest in the horror genre, Dr. Watson will be examining the film’s themes from a psychoanalytic perspective.
“It is super that the Northern Ireland Institute of Human Relations has organised a special film screening of The Babadook,” she said; “I’m delighted to speak about the film’s themes, which are so human and about loss, helplessness, storytelling, childhood creativity, and the parent-child dynamic among others, and hope it will be of interest to people. We invite anyone who is interested (no expertise at all necessary!) to come along and participate.”
The Northern Ireland Institute of Human Relations is a professional forum for psychoanalytic psychotherapists and those working in related mental health fields to pursue their continuing professional development. It was formed in 1990 to further the professional development of psychoanalytic psychotherapists across Northern Ireland.
Mary Cairns, Chair of the Institute, said:
“We are again delighted to be welcoming Eve back to Belfast, this time to help us decode what lies beneath the intriguing and unsettling film ‘The Babadook’. In the wonderful setting of this art-deco independent cinema, we are eager to peep around the curtain of this unnerving film (released in 2014). In a very dramatic and visual fashion this film portrays what happens when what is buried comes back to haunt.”
Tickets cost £15 (£12 concession) and can be bought at The Strand Arts Centre in person, by phone on 02890655830 or online here.
