The Woman In Black

Caution: This Film Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film is based off a horror story written by Susan Hill with the same title, and was adapted into a stage play (1987), and then into a television film (1989). Arthur Kipps, is a man trying to get over his wife's death and raise his son. His firm sends him on an assignment to handle the estate of Alice Drablow, the Eel Marsh House. He boards a train, leaving his son, Joseph Kipp for a few days. Arthur arrives in a town that is plagued by superstition about a woman dressed in black. Arthur goes to the Eel Marsh House to finish the paperwork, and quickly learns that there is more to the town's superstitions. 

This film was directed by James Watkins. He's a director whose placing roots in the horror genre. This film doesn't have excessive amounts of gore, it really doesn't even show a ton of blood. This film more shoots for chills, and a great dramatic story. I can't say how loyal this film is to the novel, or the stage play, or the televised film. This film isn't Paranormal Activity and it isn't the Grudge, but it is the first film in a while that is made just to terrify its audience instead of feeding a recent gore fetish. The town's plague is that every time someone see's the woman in black she takes away someone's child (by convincing them to kill themselves). The effects were well done, and they were kept brief and simple. The ghostly effects were great. Creepy and it didn't mimic the recent stylings of the Grudge. Placing the film during the Edwardian Era (1901-1910) was a great idea. It gave the film a much more classic horror film feel. I was also surprised that they managed to find the creepiest classic toys of the era. 

This film has a good cast, and Daniel Radcliffe has made an appearance away from Harry Potter. Daniel Radcliffe played the leading role of Arthur Kipp. He is great in this role. It does show that he can play other roles. It's also interesting how Daniel's face is changing rapidly. Ciaran Hinds plays the role of Sam Daily. He is great in his role. He is the character who maintains the idea that it's just superstition, and nothing more. He is the voice of reason through all the chaos, and he manages to keep his character's heart. Janet McTeer plays the role of Elizabeth Daily. She is good being the spiritual medium who is suffering from her own loss. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a good horror film that returns to the original roots of haunting horror films. There isn't a lot of gore in this film, but it does offer a lot of chills.

Answer to last blog: Writer, for Chronicle, also wrote the episode for Masters of Horror Deer Woman.

Que: What other film did James Watkins direct?

Eden Lake
The Descent: Part 2
My Little Eye
Tideland