The Woman in the Yard: A Horror Film with a Twist
The concept of The Woman in the Yard is as frightening as it is intriguing. However, as the truth about the film’s plot unfolds, it becomes even more unsettling. This should be a positive aspect, as scares are a crucial element of horror movies. Nevertheless, the film’s expectations and goals shift so drastically that, despite the boldness of the choice, it doesn’t quite succeed.
The initial premise, as shown in the trailers, revolves around Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler), a recently widowed mother struggling to cope with the loss of her husband, David (Russell Hornsby), in a car accident. Her life becomes even more complicated with the appearance of a mysterious woman in their yard, dressed in black and veiled, who calmly declares, "Today’s the day." This setup is eerie and captivating, as it taps into the fear of someone invading our safest space.
A New Perspective on Horror
The reason we can tolerate most classic horror scenarios is that they seem improbable and unlikely to occur in real life. In contrast, The Woman in the Yard takes a different approach, making the terror feel more plausible and, therefore, more unsettling. Director Jaume Collet-Serra (Black Adam, Jungle Cruise, Carry On) skillfully uses this to his advantage, building tension through parental interactions, camera angles, and long shots that highlight the expansiveness of the home.
As the story unfolds, we, like the family, are left wondering about the mysterious woman’s identity and intentions. The answers come gradually, focusing on what the woman can do rather than why she’s doing it, leading to some intriguing sequences. Eventually, the truth is revealed, and the movie takes a turn.
[Image: Woman In The Yard Family]The twist is that the titular character is not there to haunt Ramona but to help her. Since the accident, Ramona has been struggling with guilt and grief, praying for the strength to kill herself, despite knowing it would leave her children orphaned. The woman’s presence is meant to facilitate this act, making the phrase "Today’s the day" a haunting and thought-provoking statement.
A Shift in Expectations
This revelation marks a turning point in the movie, shifting the focus from a supernatural horror story to a more realistic and disturbing exploration of a person’s struggles with suicidal thoughts. The supernatural elements, such as shadow monsters or creepy hauntings, start to feel out of place and insignificant. The idea of a mother taking her own life is a serious and scary topic, but not in a traditional horror movie sense. The implications are disturbing, and the film’s tone becomes uncomfortable and challenging.
Performances and Direction
While the film’s narrative may be flawed, the performances of the cast are noteworthy. Danielle Deadwyler delivers an intense and captivating portrayal of a woman on the edge, keeping the audience engaged. The supporting cast, including Peyton Jackson and Estella Kahiha, bring warmth and love to the story, making their characters more relatable. Jackson, in particular, is a breakout star, bringing a commanding and charismatic presence to the screen.
Conclusion
In the end, it’s commendable that Universal and Blumhouse took the risk of tackling important issues like grief, guilt, and suicidal thoughts in a wide-release horror film. Although the movie’s narrative may not be fully cohesive, the performances and direction are notable. If the film had more fully embraced one side of the story or the other, it might have worked better. The Woman in the Yard is now in theaters, offering a unique and thought-provoking horror experience.
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