The Babysitter
Violent, gory horror movie has some laughs, too.
Parents say
Based on 17 reviews
Kids say
Based on 75 reviews
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The Babysitter
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Babysitter is a violent, gory, and sometimes even funny movie with a lot of appeal for teen horror fans. A cult ritual requires human sacrifice and the blood of an innocent, so there's lots of blood dripping, spewing (mostly played for comedy), and spattering everywhere and on almost everyone. Many violent deaths by stabbing, shooting, hanging, and falling, and even by a fireplace poker run all the way through someone's head. Main character Cole, 12, is bullied verbally and physically. The eerie, dark atmosphere is enhanced by tense music and several jump scares. Teens kiss as part of a Truth or Dare game, both same-sex and opposite-sex, and one prolonged scene shows lots of tongue and lip biting. Tweens kiss once and suggest making out next time. A married couple simulate manual manipulation under covers. A teen talks about and imitates "motorboating." Lots of strong language including "s--t," "f--k," "d--k," and "p---y."
Community Reviews
What's the Story?
At 12 years old, Cole knows he doesn't really need THE BABYSITTER anymore, but Bee is so cool and so beautiful, and possibly the only person in the world who really gets Cole. So he doesn't really mind that she'll be staying over while his parents go for a weekend getaway. Things take a dark and violent turn when Cole sees Bee and a group of teens start a cult ritual that promises to make all their dreams come true. But one human sacrifice isn't enough, and the ritual also needs Cole in order to work. Can Cole survive the night against a bunch of teens out for blood?
Is It Any Good?
Loads of appeal here for teen horror-comedy fans: attractive teen characters, inept adults, comic hysteria, childhood nostalgia, extended kissing scene, and, oh yeah, buckets and buckets of blood. The Babysitter sits comfortably somewhere in between the smarter-but-less-gory Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the gorier-but-cheesier Evil Dead franchises. Absolutely not for kids because of the extreme violence. Also not for anyone who's not a fan of horror.
But mature viewers who are fans will enjoy this one. The story's well constructed, the actors are pretty good, and the action keeps things moving at a good pace. It doesn't break any new ground, but it's entertaining for those who enjoy a good, gross scare every now and then.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Babysitter. Is violence OK in horror movies where violence and gore are kind of the point? What about when it's played for comedy -- does that affect your reaction? How?
How much sexy stuff is OK in movies? When is it too much, and why?
What about all the strong language? Does it seem realistic in this movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: October 13, 2017
- Cast: Judah Lewis, Samara Weaving, Robbie Amell
- Director: McG
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Horror
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Friendship, Middle School
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Evil Dead (1981)
Horror masterpiece is gory but silly; violence, drugs.
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Carrie
Stephen King's disturbing prom horror classic.
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Shaun of the Dead
Zombie horror-comedy has lots of gore, cursing.
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