The Babysitter

What starts as a typical sleepover night turns into a bloody fight for survival in McG's horror-comedy The Babysitter. Twelve-year-old Cole Johnson (Judah Lewis) has a massive crush on his babysitter Bee (Samara Weaving), the coolest girl in the neighborhood. But when he spies on her after his bedtime, he discovers Bee and her friends are devil-worshipping killers who will do anything to keep their secret. The film blends gory kills with sharp humor, leaning into over-the-top violence and a charismatic performance from Weaving.

Produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision on a modest budget estimated between $3-5 million, the movie became a streaming hit on Netflix after its October 13, 2017 release. Shot over 25 days primarily in a single suburban Los Angeles house, the film showcases McG's slick direction and Douglas Pipes' energetic score. It earned a 71% Tomatometer score and a 6.2/10 on IMDb, with critics praising Weaving's star-making turn. The film's success led to a 2020 sequel, The Babysitter: Killer Queen, and cemented its cult status among fans of genre-blending horror.[edit]

Cole Johnson is a nervous 12-year-old who gets picked on at school and lives in fear of just about everything. His world brightens when Bee, the gorgeous babysitter, comes over for the night while his parents head out of town. Bee treats him with genuine kindness, promising pizza, video games, and a fun evening. Cole's best friend Melanie pushes him to stay up late and spy on Bee after she thinks he's asleep, hoping he'll catch a glimpse of her social life.

What begins as innocent curiosity quickly turns into a nightmare. Cole witnesses Bee and her friends, jock Max (Robbie Amell), cheerleader Allison (Bella Thorne), goth Sonya (Hana Mae Lee), and quiet John (Andrew Bachelor), performing a satanic ritual in his living room. They summon a demonic presence, drink blood from a chalice, and reveal themselves as members of a devil-worshipping cult. When they discover Cole watching, the group realizes they must eliminate him to protect their secret.

What follows is a desperate, bloody game of cat-and-mouse through Cole's suburban home. Bee, despite her affection for Cole, is committed to the cult's mission and will stop at nothing to complete the ritual. Cole must use his wits, his knowledge of the house, and his unexpected courage to survive the night against a group of seemingly invincible, supernaturally-enhanced teenagers. The film balances its over-the-top gore with sharp comedic timing, leaning into absurd kills and cartoonish violence. Cole's journey is one of self-discovery, from a frightened boy afraid of bullies to a resourceful survivor who must confront his deepest fears. Key story beats include Cole's discovery of the ritual, his first confrontation with the killers, a series of inventive escape attempts, and the revelation of the cult's true purpose.[edit]