The Woman In Black

The Woman In Black director James Watkins’ last film was the audience dividing horror Eden Lake. Though, in that case, the differing opinions were less about the actual quality of the film and more to due with the fact that it was just too damn nasty. Therefore, Watkins seems a perfect choice as the latest person to provide an edge to Susan Hill’s best-selling novel. Nevertheless, he does have some stiff competition in the form of the long running (and terrifying) West End play of the same name. Other good ideas for this version have been to enlist a screenplay writer of proven quality in the shape of Jane Goldman and to ditch the original idea to have this as a 3D release. The only question mark (pre production) is if Daniel Radcliffe can cut the mustard in the lead role. First, the storyline: Edwardian solicitor Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe) is assigned to handle the estate of a northern family who owned a manor called Eel March House. However, most locals are weary of Kipps and show concern when he announces his intention to visit said house. When Kipps does get there he catches sight of a mysterious woman in black get-up and before long bad things are occurring to the children in the local village. The first to say here is that if you’ve read the book or seen the play, you’ll know what’s coming. The good news is that this is still a highly enjoyable picture anyway. Script wise, if you take out the reasons behind the woman’s acts of carnage, you’re basically just left with the classic haunted house set up. But what a house of fun Watkins makes it. All the tricks in the book are utilised to keep the audience on edge; Shadowy movements in the background, footsteps on creaking floorboards, squeaking hinges on doors, thunder, lightning, rain etc. It’s all here. You can argue that’s nothing new, but in a darkened cinema it’s still highly effective and Watkins also throws in a couple of original heart in mouth moments as well. Does the rest of the film stack up though? In terms of its look it does, as authentic looking trains and cars peer out from the mist and fog riddled cobbled streets and fields. Acting wise Radcliffe is fine, though he doesn’t have much to do besides looking perturbed a lot of the time. Apart from Ciarán Hinds there’s no real other recognisable names amongst the rest of the cast and it’s no surprise really as this is a director’s film as opposed to an actor’s. It’s also a rival to Joe Dante’s The Hole in the "how on earth did such a film get such a low certificate?" stakes. The film did have some cuts to get past the BBFC, but this is still one that will give nightmares to any youngsters out there.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict                                      
Some top direction from Watkins, but make sure you catch this in the cinema to get the full experience of this old fashioned spook-fest. Rating: 8/10.