Universal Pictures and Blumhouse teamed up to deliver the new psychological horror, “The Woman In The Yard,”now haunting theaters near you. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the guy behind spine-tinglers like Orphan and family-friendly adventures like Jungle Cruise, this flick promises plenty of scares and emotional depth. Danielle Deadwyler (Till) shines as Ramona, a grieving mom desperately trying to keep her family safe from a mysterious woman lurking right outside their home. Russell Hornsby drops by as her late husband, David, while Peyton Jackson and Estella Kahiha play the kids forced to grow up way too fast.
An Atmospheric Beginning
The film opens powerfully, plunging us immediately into Ramona’s pain and isolation. Danielle Deadwyler delivers an emotionally charged performance as a mother haunted by grief. Her portrayal is raw, making viewers feel deeply connected to her struggles. Russell Hornsby, despite limited screen time, leaves a strong impression as Ramona’s late husband. The children, Taylor (Peyton Jackson) and Annie (Estella Kahiha), add depth with compelling portrayals of kids forced to grow up too quickly.
Collet-Serra knows his way around suspense, and cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski amps up the chills with creepy camera angles and jump scares. Lorne Balfe’s spooky musical score adds an extra layer of unease, making sure you’re gripping your popcorn tightly.
A Shift That Loses Focus
“The Woman In The Yard” takes a sharp narrative turn midway, shifting from supernatural thriller to ambiguous psychological drama. Initially intriguing, the narrative becomes increasingly confusing. Ramona’s paintings of the mysterious woman suggest deeper psychological themes, yet the film struggles to provide clear answers.
Okwui Okpokwasili,is effectively unsettling as the mysterious woman. Her slow, methodical approach towards Ramona’s family creates suspense, but her presence raises more questions than answers. While ambiguity can enhance horror, here it frustrated me and left me hoping for clarity.
Real Representation and Authenticity
Producer Stephanie Allain is bringing authenticity to the table by spotlighting a Black, upper-middle-class family realistically. The home setting, art, and family dynamics resonate genuinely. The dynamics feel real, the setting feels genuine, and you genuinely root for these characters. However, this thoughtful representation is overshadowed by unclear narrative intentions, leaving me conflicted.
Insights from Production
According to production notes, “The Woman In The Yard” is rooted deeply in exploring grief’s devastating effects. Screenwriter Sam Stefanak crafted a personal story initially titled “The Man in the Yard,” rewritten specifically for Deadwyler. Director Collet-Serra aimed to create an introspective journey, emphasizing internal fears and doubts over straightforward scares. Danielle Deadwyler’s own paintings featured in the film add another personal layer, reinforcing the story’s authenticity.
The Woman In The Yard Review: Thrills, Chills, and Plenty of Confusio
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Acting - 7/10
7/10
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Cinematography/Visual Effects - 9/10
9/10
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Plot/Screenplay - 6/10
6/10
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Setting/Theme - 8/10
8/10
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Watchability - 6/10
6/10
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Rewatchability - 5/10
5/10
Overall
User Review
( votes)Summary
Check out our witty review of “The Woman In The Yard,” the psychological thriller now in theaters. Does it deliver scares or just confusion?
Pros
Pros:
- Fantastic cinematography and bone-chilling sound design.
- Outstanding performances, especially Danielle Deadwyler and Peyton Jackson.
- Some seriously effective scares that’ll keep you awake.
Cons
Cons:
- A plot that leaves you scratching your head more than biting your nails.
- The second half drags and loses clarity.
- Strong representation overshadowed by narrative confusion.
Summary: The Woman In The Yard" delivers chilling scares and outstanding performances, especially from Danielle Deadwyler. The film starts incredibly strong, gripping you with raw emotion and genuine suspense. However, halfway through, things get unnecessarily complicated. Despite impressive representation and stylish visuals, the narrative loses itself in a confusing plot twist. Ultimately, it's a frustratingly good horror movie... great potential, memorable scares, but leaving viewers with more questions than answers
