The Woman in Black-2012

Director James Watkins

Starring Daniel Radcliffe

Scott’s Review #429

Reviewed June 21, 2016

Grade: C

The Woman in Black (2012) is an example of a recent trend in modern horror films.

The positives include great effects (shadows, lighting, ghosts, some scares), but the story is uncompelling and makes no sense, which is a negative.

The eerie setting of foggy London and a creepy seaside village are perfect.

The cinematography instantly elicits dread, coldness, and a sense of secrets.

From that point, the story sinks into a chaotic mess of unbelievable twists that, instead of being compelling, only confuse the viewer until he or she no longer cares.

That is a shame.

I give Daniel Radcliffe credit for trying to shake his Harry Potter image by going the horror route.

I suspect that is the entire point of the film, since it centers on Radcliffe, but it still felt like I was watching a Harry Potter movie.

Nice effects, but poor story.

The Woman in Black (2012) will be forgotten before long.