‘The Woman in the Yard’ Review: Danielle Deadwyler Stars in a Stately and Stylish Blumhouse Horror Flick

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In the newest Blumhouse horror production, metaphors play a significant role, setting it apart from their typical work due to its emphasis on atmospheric subtleties rather than the usual shock tactics. This film, with its deliberate and thoughtful pace, has an air of the eerie that wouldn’t feel out of place in a Twilight Zone episode – or, if expanded, could easily become a Jordan Peele movie. Despite its seemingly ordinary title, The Woman in the Yard, it harbors lofty thematic aspirations. While it doesn’t fully meet these expectations, it is commendable for attempting something fresh in a genre often characterized by oversaturation and exploitation.

Filmmaker Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his recent big-budget movies like Jungle Cruise, Black Adam, and Carry-On, is back to his horror genre roots with this low-key production. The story unfolds in a secluded rural farmhouse, reminiscent of those depicted by Andrew Wyeth, where the central characters are Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler from Till and The Piano Lesson), who’s recovering from a tragic car accident that claimed her husband David (Russell Hornsby); their 14-year-old son Taylor (Peyton Jackson), trying to shoulder the responsibilities of manhood; and their six-year-old daughter Annie (Estella Kahiha). The family is evidently struggling, with Ramona using crutches, the house in a state of disrepair, and electricity having been recently cut off.

A puzzling woman (Okwui Okpokwasili, from ‘The Exorcist: Believer’) dressed entirely in black, with a veil concealing her face, unexpectedly appears at the edge of their yard, sitting quietly in a chair. Fearing for her kids’ safety, Ramona steps outside to confront her. The woman inquires, “How did I get here?” However, her bewilderment is brief as she declares, “Today is the day, Ramona. You summoned me and I arrived.

Viewers attempting to unravel the film’s enigmatic finale might find it helpful to recall those statements. Meanwhile, the suspense in the movie builds significantly as strange incidents unfold – such as the family pet disappearing, the woman in black appearing to get progressively closer to the house with each sighting, and her unusual response when Taylor points a shotgun at her. It’s around this time that the film starts following typical horror movie patterns, complete with sudden loud noises and quick cuts designed to startle, as well as fast-paced editing to create shock effects.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit that The Woman in the Yard isn’t perfect, but it still manages to stand out from the crowd in the mainstream horror genre. This is all thanks to director Jaume Collet-Serra, who keeps things classy with his understated direction, and cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski, who shows us that even bright blue skies can be downright terrifying. And let’s not forget the top-notch performances from everyone involved – they really bring this film to life!

The actress Deadwyler continually improves, adding subtle nuances to her character who grapples with grief and occasionally lashes out harshly at her children, despite her evident affection for them. Jackson and Kahiha are convincingly portrayed as the youngsters trying to make sense of the situation, and unlike many child actors, they avoid being annoying. Okpokwasili exudes a striking and intimidating presence that promises her continued success in future roles.

Fans of certain genres might find “The Woman in the Yard” disappointing due to its slow-building narrative and the enigmatic quality of Sam Stefanak’s script, which includes an ambiguous twist ending that leaves room for interpretation. However, for those who appreciate thoughtful horror and prefer subtlety over graphic violence like spurting arteries or exposed entrails, this film offers substantial rewards.

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2025-03-28 04:24