Movie Review: "The Woman in Black"

The Woman in Black
Directed by: James Watkins

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Ciaran Hinds, Janet McTeer

Rated: PG-13 for thematic material and violence/disturbing images

In the midst of our current age of unaesthetic docu-style horror films or blood-drenched slasher flicks, it's always good to watch a simple, creepy ghost story that takes on the horror genre's more artistic traits without falling into R-rated material.  The most recent movie to do this is James Watkins' haunted house flick The Woman in Black, starring Daniel Radcliffe in his first role since the Harry Potter franchise wrapped.  In the film, he stars as Arthur Kipps, a young widower in the Victorian era, who is assigned to go over the final assets of a wealthy woman who recently died in a nearby village.  Upon his arrival, he is met with hostility by the townsfolk, who believe that his involvement in the old woman's house will awaken a curse that has plagued the town over the past twenty or so years.  And, wouldn't you know it, they're on to something.  The movie's strength is the art direction; it's truly remarkable and almost a character in the story, itself.  Every room of the house is filled with imagery that is as beautiful as it is terrifying, which is only enhanced by the crisp, digital cinematography that is saturated with color yet muted in it's brightness.  As Radcliffe walks the halls, candles in hand, your mind begins racing with anticipation, sure that any mirror will suddenly show you something, any door may suddenly open, or any doll may come to life; it's quite fun experience.  And, while the film doesn't have much of a plot or really any interesting characters, it still manages to scare and startle you as much as just generally creep you out.  Unlike the uncreative or disgusting films of it's genre, The Woman in Black is a fun and creepy horror film that will show you very little and let your imagination do the rest.