Jaume Collet-Serra’s Woman in the Yard looks to strike fear in the viewer in a much more psychological way than many jump-scare-heavy modern horror films. Produced by Blumhouse Productions, the film hopes to breathe some much-needed life into the psychological horror genre.
Starring Danielle Deadwyler as Ramona, a grieving and injured mother of two, the film explores an interesting narrative of her and her family being haunted by an eerie figure that seems to have appeared out of nowhere and is slowly creeping closer toward their house. An interesting idea on paper; however, at times, the film feels bloated and can drag on more than many would like it to. As the film progresses, though, a much darker theme is uncovered, and the ending may be one that some will find far too disturbing to really be in a film.
The performances in this film are a mixed bag. While Danielle Deadwyler really carries the movie with her convincing behaviors, effectively selling the injury her character has, as well as the tones of fear, desperation, and anger displayed throughout the film, Okwui Okpokwasili, who plays the Woman in the Yard, doesn’t quite feel as eerie as she could have. The scenes that should fill the audience with the most suspense are actually quite underwhelming. A real lack of fear and terror comes from the strange character, and it just feels a little flat.
The film does, however, shine with striking visuals, as the cinematography really helps to build a sense of uncertainty. Inventive angles, great utilization of shadows to show the Woman’s power, and some excellent sound design help take this film that little bit further. The only downside is that the film does a great job of building suspense but never seems to capitalize on it, and it just kind of dies out.As a whole,
Woman in the Yard is a real middle-of-the-road film. It isn’t reinventing the wheel at all, yet it is still worth a watch if you get the chance. Fans of The Babadook may find this movie entertaining, as it seems to have some striking similarities.
