A horror novella by Susan Hill, centered on a young widowed solicitor experiencing trauma in a chillingly haunted house, has enjoyed a successful theatrical run of over 23 years…however, it pains me to say that the film adaptation fails to evoke the same level of terror.
The most alarming aspect is the poor performance of Daniel Radcliffe as the lead. In his first role following Harry Potter, he comes off as lifeless and unexpressive.
The character demands an actor who appears deeply tormented. Instead, we witness a young performer who appears paralyzed by first-night jitters.
James Watkins, the rising British director, manages the film competently, yet the scares are weak…the 12A rating is a hint in itself…and he contributes nothing innovative to the horror genre.
Compared to Watkins’s prior horror effort, Eden Lake, The Woman In Black falls short, as that film showcased a cast seemingly chosen for their talent rather than box office appeal.
I won’t disclose too much, but the backstory, which unfolds gradually, raises more questions than it resolves. What drives the deceased woman in black to unleash such chaos?
Her actions, rather than being convincingly frightening, feel like an exaggerated response, even for an aggrieved specter.
by Helena Bryanlith
