THE WOMAN IN BLACK

Photos courtesy of CBS Films

Daniel Radcliffe investigates some property in rural England that features an unwelcomed guest in the horror picture THE WOMAN IN BLACK.

Radcliffe is Arthur Kipps, a young lawyer who leaves his only son with a hired hand while he travels to the outskirts of Britain to view a prized property. He is initially warned of the house’s history by an elderly, and mentally unfit woman, but the aspiring attorney dismisses the allegations considering the source.

Most horror films are quick to instill fear and terror in its viewer. Outside of a haunting introduction, THE WOMAN IN BLACK isn’t one of these films, as it requires an unusual amount of patience, so much so, that one’s interest is challenged by first examining the history of the house and its inhabitants.

It’s a shame because once THE WOMAN IN BLACK kicks into second gear, some truly frightening and spooky moments exist. Director James Watkins is comfortable building suspense and goose bumps through dark confines, subtle scares and rocking chairs that mysteriously rock on their own. Unfortunately the three big haunted house scenes fail to overcome the film’s sluggish first half, one plagued with too much background, and its conclusion which tries to put a sentimental spin on a twisted finish.

THE WOMAN IN BLACK is the first major role for Radcliffe since his graduation from Hogwart’s, and he’s fine, but the role demands little more than what he provided in the Potter series. Again Radcliffe plays an ambitious, yet apprehensive young man who stumbles across some unearthly occurrences. To say Arthur and Harry’s experiences are within the same realm is not a stretch.

The same can be said of the film itself, an adaptation which doesn’t bring anything new to the table. It subtly spooks, but only after laying an unnecessary amount of groundwork.

Grade: C