The Babysitter (2017) is a fast-paced, self-aware horror-comedy that blends teenage anxiety, satanic cult chaos, and dark humor into a wildly entertaining Netflix original. Directed by McG, the film leans hard into genre tropes while constantly winking at the audience.
Detailed Summary
A Normal Night Turns Very Wrong
The story centers on Cole Johnson, a shy 12-year-old boy who is still being babysat by the impossibly cool, popular, and attractive Bee. Bee is everything Cole wishes he could be: confident, fearless, admired by everyone. She’s also the only person who genuinely seems to understand him.
Cole’s parents leave him home alone with Bee, assuming it will be a normal night of pizza and movies. However, after being teased by his neighbor Melanie for still having a babysitter, Cole decides to stay awake past his bedtime to spy on Bee.
This decision changes his life forever.
The Cult Reveal
Once Cole secretly watches Bee after bedtime, he discovers the horrifying truth: Bee is the leader of a satanic cult, and her friends are not just party-loving teenagers but active participants in ritual sacrifice.
They brutally murder a nerdy classmate to collect his blood, which is needed to fulfill a pact with the devil. Bee explains that sacrificing an innocent allows them to gain wealth, power, and success.
Cole is discovered, and from this point on, the movie becomes a survival story filled with graphic kills, absurd humor, and escalating tension.
Cole on the Run
Cole escapes the house and spends the rest of the night trying to survive while being hunted by Bee and her cult members. Along the way, he encounters his cruel neighbor Melanie, a police officer who doesn’t believe him, and the cult members themselves, each of whom meets a violent and often ironic end.
As the body count rises, Cole slowly transforms from a terrified kid into someone who fights back. Bee’s earlier lessons about confidence, standing up for yourself, and “being a man” become crucial to his survival.
Movie Ending
In the final act, Cole confronts Bee after all of her cult members are killed. Bee captures him and prepares to sacrifice him as a replacement, revealing that she always knew he was watching. She claims that everything she did for him was part of grooming him to be brave enough to die “worthily.”
However, Cole finally stands up to her emotionally and psychologically. He rejects her manipulation, admits his fear, and refuses to be controlled anymore. In a moment that mixes empowerment and tragedy, Bee is stabbed and ultimately dies in a fiery car explosion after chasing Cole one last time.
The police arrive too late to witness the truth, leaving Cole traumatized but alive. The final scenes show Cole being taken away in an ambulance while Bee’s house burns behind him, symbolizing the destruction of his childhood innocence.
In the closing moments, Bee reappears in a dreamlike or ambiguous sequence, kissing Cole on the forehead and telling him she’s proud of him. This leaves viewers questioning whether Bee’s influence is truly gone or if she still exists as a psychological scar.
The ending deliberately balances closure and unease, making it clear Cole survived—but he will never be the same.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Babysitter does not include a post-credits scene. However, the ambiguous final moments and Bee’s last appearance clearly set the stage for a sequel, which later arrived as The Babysitter: Killer Queen (2020).
Type of Movie
The Babysitter is a horror-comedy with strong slasher elements, mixing graphic violence with self-aware humor and teen coming-of-age themes. It intentionally exaggerates genre clichés while celebrating them.
Cast
- Samara Weaving as Bee
- Judah Lewis as Cole Johnson
- Robbie Amell as Max
- Hana Mae Lee as Sonya
- Bella Thorne as Allison
- Andrew Bachelor as John
- Emily Alyn Lind as Melanie
Film Music and Composer
The score was composed by Douglas Pipes, known for his work in horror films. The soundtrack heavily features rock and pop tracks that reinforce the film’s energetic, rebellious tone and teenage perspective.
Filming Locations
The movie was filmed primarily in Los Angeles, California, using suburban neighborhoods to create a familiar, safe environment that sharply contrasts with the extreme violence that unfolds. This setting is essential to the film’s impact—it turns an ordinary home into a nightmare playground.
Awards and Nominations
While The Babysitter did not receive major award recognition, it gained a strong cult following and positive audience reception, particularly for Samara Weaving’s performance and the film’s tonal confidence.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Samara Weaving performed many of her own stunts.
- Director McG encouraged improvisation to keep dialogue natural and comedic.
- The film was originally written as a more traditional horror before being reworked into a horror-comedy.
- Netflix acquired the film after it was stuck in development limbo for years.
Inspirations and References
The film draws inspiration from:
- Classic slasher films like Scream (1996)
- Teen horror-comedies such as Fright Night (1985)
- Satanic panic-era horror aesthetics
It also intentionally plays with the fantasy of the “perfect babysitter” archetype.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
Some deleted scenes reportedly expanded on Bee’s backstory and the cult’s origins. These were removed to maintain pacing and preserve Bee’s mystique. No fully alternate ending has been officially released, though early drafts were darker and less comedic.
Book Adaptations and Differences
The Babysitter is not based on a book. It is an original screenplay by Brian Duffield, later rewritten to enhance humor and audience accessibility.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- Cole witnessing the first ritual murder.
- Bee calmly explaining the satanic pact like a life coach.
- Each cult member’s over-the-top death.
- Cole finally standing up to Bee in the climax.
Iconic Quotes
- Bee: “Being scared doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.”
- Cole: “You lied to me. About everything.”
- Bee: “I was just trying to make you strong.”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Bee’s motivational speeches subtly foreshadow her manipulation.
- Horror movie posters appear in the background of Cole’s room.
- The cult members’ personalities reflect exaggerated teen stereotypes.
- Several kills visually reference classic slasher deaths.
Trivia
- Samara Weaving became a breakout horror icon after this role.
- The script appeared on the Black List of best unproduced screenplays.
- The film was shot in under a month.
- Bella Thorne’s character was originally written to survive longer.
Why Watch?
If you enjoy stylish horror with humor, fast pacing, and a villain who steals every scene, The Babysitter is an easy recommendation. It’s violent, funny, self-aware, and surprisingly emotional beneath the chaos.
Director’s Other Movies
- Charlie’s Angels (2000)
- Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
- Terminator Salvation (2009)
- This Means War (2012)
Recommended Films for Fans
- Ready or Not (2019)
- Happy Death Day (2017)
- Scream (1996)
- Fright Night (2011)
- Jennifer’s Body (2009)
