What if there really is something in the closet? That’s exactly what’s going on in this dedication to skittish children everywhere. The Boogeyman (Bogeyman? Boogieman? Boogyman? I bet they spent ages deciding on the “correct” spelling. Seriously. Ages.) exists and he/she/it is out for blood. Perhaps that’s the problem here. We all assume boogeyMAN. Suppose that just isn’t the case? I mean how can one assume this giant arachnid-like predator is male? Maybe it’s juts pissed that you didn’t get their pronouns right.
Mom died not long ago and now the family has to come to terms with someone new in their lives. From the perspective of a seven-year-old girl, there might be little difference between a step-mom and a homicidal 
monster. Little Sawyer (Vivien Lyra Blair) is a “check the closets” kid. Dad (Chris Messina) is patient. You have to be, right? Yet, both he and teenage daughter Sadie (Sophia Thatcher) think this all is the little Sawyer who cried “Huck,” knowwhatI’msayin’?
Turns out, well, there is a monster. It’s hard to see, likes it when you’re alone, and only comes out when the lights are off. This parasitical psychopathic murderer lives in dark spaces and exclusively feeds off the vulnerable and defenseless; so naturally, it’s a front-runner for the GOP nomination in 2028. It’s kinda messed up how the creature deliberately preys upon those struggling with coping and depression. As if they don’t have enough to deal with, huh?
One of the nice touches about this particular horror is that mom had a room entirely devoted to her amateur artwork and this is where the creature enjoys hanging out. Another thing I liked was how Sadie’s high school friends were anything but. It’s not right, and it certainly wasn’t pleasant, but I think we have a general idea of how the child of a mother dead from a recent car accident will be
treated when they return to school … and this wasn’t it. I also enjoyed the smaller feel of the threat. The killer exists and haunts one (1) family … one family who will never get anybody to believe what they’re going through. This is neither about an omniscient/omnipresent evil, nor a threat to all humanity. It’s just the family’s pet demon. Don’t feed it.
You have to understand that most monster movies are a pile of crap. Getting a decent scare or threat-worthy villain is a great deal more difficult than ought to be, imho. So, while The Boogeyman has a crappy title and shamelessly feeds into irrational fears (something I will never condone), I appreciated the film for not trying to be any more than it was – a simple horror. Creature haunts family. Family has to respond. That’s it. There’s no deeper meaning here. The creature is indeed a threat, but on a very local level. If you’re looking for planet-engulfing threats, The Boogeyman ain’t it. The Boogeyman didn’t claim nations, creeds, or souls, but it served the purpose of providing horror. Good for you, little guy.
A hidden monster waits up until late
It’s full of anger and malice and hate
He buddy, just pause it
You can leave the closet
Provided you’re not in a red state
Rated PG-13, 98 Minutes
Director: Rob Savage
Writer: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods, Mark Heyman
Genre: Things that go bump in the night
Type of being most likely to enjoy this film: Horror junkies
Type of being least likely to enjoy this film: Actual Boogeymen
