Back in 2017, you may recall, The Babadook became an LGBTQ icon when Netflix’s algorithm recommended the film to viewers interested in gay cinema. Writer/director Jennifer Kent had not commented on the memes at the time, but Bloody-Disgusting spoke to her at Sundance for her new film The Nightingale (read our review) and we couldn’t help but bring them up.

Reflecting on the phenomenon, Kent remained pleasantly surprised that The Babadook took off in the gay community, finding new relevance through the Netflix algorithm.

“That was mad,” Kent said. “That was crazy.”

“Of course, I love that story,” she continued. “I think it’s crazy and just kept him alive. I thought ah, you bastard. He doesn’t want to die so he’s finding ways to become relevant.”

The gay Babadook memes were the most viral The Babadook got, but the social media love began way back when the movie first came out. It was a big hit in 2014 so lots of public figures in the entertainment industry commented on the film at the time, and Kent was particularly fond of Jordan Peele’s reaction to her debut feature (shared below).

“Did you see that Jordan Peele tweet that he did, an emoticon tweet of the whole story of Babadook?” Kent asked us. “It was pretty funny.”

Sundance just held the North American premiere of Kent’s second film, The Nightingale, after it had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The Nightingale is not a monster movie, but features monstrous human violence. IFC will release The Nightingale this summer.

The Babadook
(Spoilers)

— Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) December 2, 2014