Woman in Black

Out of everything that was trendy or popular in the film world, the Harry Potter movies were a favorite for me. Part of it was due to the original plot. Maybe because it was series that never let up and kept you interested from the first installment. Maybe because it was a series that knew how to use it's action, effects and atmosphere to it's advantage. Regardless, I always loved Harry Potter movies mostly because of the main actors. Director Chris Columbus used the approach of getting unknown child actors with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Girn and Emma Watson to put in lead roles for the eight films.



After the success of the Harry Potter series which ran for over ten years, the main stars of this series were left in the awkward position of where to go with their careers. Really with all the money the actors made between them, none of them needed an acting role again. Girn has not being seen much and Watson has some big roles including Noah, The Perks of Being a Wallfollwer and Bling Ring. For now though it's Daniel Radcliffe who has the most interesting career away from the Harry Potter films. Going straight to theater, Radcliffe showed his passion and heart for acting. He also proved that he can take a risk by taking the lead role in the horror film Woman in Black for his first role after Harry Potter.


There are many reasons why the Woman in Black released in February of 2012 would be a risk. It's not like Radcliffe had ever done horror and horror seems unpredictable in terms of money and reception. A February release is never is the most busiest time of the year in  terms of movie sales. Everything that could have gone wrong with Woman in Black actually went well though.


In the 1800's, lawyer Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe) heads out to collect the papers of a dead woman Crythin Gifford and help start the sale of her house. Once Kipps comes to this English town, he sees it is a town full a scared locals of all ages. Crythin Gifford's house is filled with odd noises and we start to learn the real history of Gifford. This is an old school ghost story that feels something out the 60's and 70's.


For a horror film, this has all familiar elements. It has creepy kids and a town threatening a visitor. Also there is a big and creepy house out in the middle of nowhere. It uses all the elements we've seen before but in a risky and interesting way.


The most important elements is the house itself. The house is something that sets up everything from jump scares, atmosphere and the plot. The scares aren't really anything special but they are creative  and will be enough to scare the Harry Potter fans who are here for Radcliffe. The plot is thin and is sketchy on details. The plot also reminds me of Insidious from the same year. The atmosphere uses old British styles with a town that has similarities to the The Crucible from 1996.

The next biggest factor of the film is Daniel Radcliffe. Using a laid back style with good acting, Kipps comes off as very likable and also very caring about his child Joesph ( Misha Handley) who turns out to have bigger role then expected. Radcliffe carries this film through all it's acts and brings depth to the character which is really more than expected.

While providing a strong ending that takes a risk, Woman in Black is an impressive horror film for many reasons. It is a film that helped Hammer Film Productions get back on the map and most importantly put Radcliffe on his career path after the Harry Potter films. An important  horror film.

4/5