The Babysitter

The Babysitter is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix, and in the US on Netflix, and it delivers exactly the kind of comedy that earns a loyal following. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Judah Lewis — stay for everyone else around them. Start it on Netflix whenever you need something guaranteed to land.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Babysitter earns its spot. The Babysitter gets the fundamentals right first, then finds room to get weird with it. When Cole stays up past his bedtime, he discovers that his hot babysitter is part of a Satanic cult that will stop at nothing to keep him quiet. Between them, Judah Lewis and Samara Weaving carry the comedy without ever forcing it. It hit screens in 2017. The timing in The Babysitter is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It delivers reliably on what it promises, which is more than most of its competition manages.

Comedy fans looking for a reliably funny watch will find it in The Babysitter. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Judah Lewis is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.