Bechdel Test Movie List

/bech·del test/ n.
1. It has to have at least two [named] women in it
2. Who talk to each other
3. About something besides a man

[[3]] The Babadook (2014) [imdb]

This movie passed 3 of 3 tests. It was entered by trinaB on 2015-01-03 12:18:47.

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trinaB said:
This movie is phenomenal and has a female director, and overall I would say it has a lot of feminist elements. However, it doesn't pass the test completely from what I can remember. There are several named female characters who do talk to each other, but the conversations are always about, mention, or turn into, conversations about the protagonist's son or deceased husband. The only female character I can think of who is named who doesn't have a conversation with her about her son is her boss, but they don't ever actually have a conversation. There are some glares exchanged between them, and a phone conversation where she basically gets fired. However, we can't hear the person on the other end of the line, and therefore can hardly count as a real dialogue... and anyway, since we can't hear the person on the other end of the line, we can't know for certain it IS her boss.

Perhaps I'm forgetting something? There was a lot going on, truth be told.

(btw I always judge a conversation as passing if it lasts for longer than 30 seconds, and doesn't mention men. "Pass me the salt." and "Thanks." doesn't really cut it.)
Message posted on 2015-01-03 12:18:47
cristhianb said:
She has a few conversations with her sister. And also with the old woman next door.
Message posted on 2015-01-05 22:49:08
MilesP said:
I also could be wrong, and would have to watch the film again, but I believe that Amelia has several conversations with her neighbor where the topic is about Amelia's well-being, not about Samuel. Again, not sure, but it would be worth looking at again to confirm the rating, especially since as mentioned, it is a very feminist film.
Message posted on 2015-01-06 21:17:59
Trent said:
Passes all three, because at one point Amelia's sister's friends (all women) get together and talk, also about Amelia's job before the accident, etc.
Message posted on 2015-01-07 13:24:00
Amanda said:
Amelia and her sister (Claire?) have a conversation about how uncomfortable Amelia feels with Claire's girlfriends before the party. Amelia also has conversations with her next door neighbor (Mrs. Roach). Many of those revolved around her son, but I'm positive that there was at least one that was not about the mail. I think Mrs. Roach thanks Amelia for helping her with something around the house.
Message posted on 2015-01-13 01:58:49
Zach stetson said:
If I remember correctly
Amelia has a conversation with her neighbor Mrs. Roach. I'm pretty sure it's just Mrs. Roach checking up on her so it's not about a man.
She also had conversations with her sister but they may have been all about her son who I guess counts as a man
Message posted on 2015-01-13 02:39:09
neil (webmaster) said:
I've updated the rating from 2/3 to 3/3.
Message posted on 2015-01-14 21:40:55
Keith said:
Agree with the new 3/3 rating. However, if the women had only conversed about the boy, would that have violated Rule 3? In other words, does boy = man? My inclination is no.
Message posted on 2015-05-15 20:59:56
ian said:
Would those conversations be any different if the kid had been a girl?
Message posted on 2016-12-27 22:25:42
~N said:
I agree with the 3/3 rating. In the very beginning, when Amelia is working at the nursing home, she has a conversation with a female patient named Norma.

Amelia: "Here's one for you, Norma. It's got milk in it."
Norma: "I didn't want milk."
Amelia: "No worries, I'll make you another one."

Also, she and Mrs. Roach (the neighbor) DO have a conversation specifically about Amelia's wellbeing (although they previously speak about Sam as well). I think this still counts.
Message posted on 2019-03-28 19:22:52

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