“The Woman in the Yard,” directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, premiered in theaters on Friday. The film follows a grief-stricken mother, Ramona, and her two children as a black-veiled, unsettling figure with no apparent motive visits them. Despite her shattered state of mind, Ramona knows she must do whatever it takes to keep her children safe.
After the tragic death of her husband, Ramona Harris (Danielle Deadwyler) apathetically raises her children, Taylor (Peyton Jackson) and Annie (Estella Kahiha), on a rural farm while coping with her injuries from the accident that left her widowed. Grief weighs heavily on Ramona and takes a toll on her family. As the trio struggles to rebuild their dynamic, everything comes to a sudden halt when a scary woman appears in their front yard, sitting in an ancient chair which seemingly creeps closer and closer.
The film contains a great balance of scares and plot with a constant tension as the compelling narrative unravels. The mystery behind the mysterious woman’s presence adds depth to the horror, making it more than a series of occasional frightening moments. Suspense quickly builds up and the jump scares deliver.
The psychological disarray of the mother further adds to the unsettling feeling of the film, as fully grasping the state of Ramona’s mind takes time. As the plot unravels, the more her reality begins to feel questioned, making it a truly disorienting experience. By entering dissociative states of tuning out the world around her through a blank stare, Deadwyler believably embodies the themes of grief and trauma.
Due to strong acting, the characters feel relatable and modern with grounded and authentic reactions. Taylor acts confused and demands answers while Ramona ineffectively downplays the frightening situation at hand to spare young Annie.
“The Woman in the Yard” stars only five people, the Harris family and the veiled woman, but the actors portray their roles so effectively that the story feels complete without the need for additional characters. Each character’s narrative reveals more about the family, primarily through their interactions, such as when Ramona and Taylor clash over the disorder in their home. Viewers get deeper insight on Ramona’s distraughtness through small details like the need for groceries and empty products in the kitchen.
Many horror films lose their fear factor once the villain becomes unmasked. However, Collet-Serra maintains the suspense and mystery around the woman in the yard for as long as possible by keeping her face hidden and her intentions unclear. Even when her veil does drop, her eerie presence and unsettling movements keep her character just as creepy and ominous.
Seamless transitions utilizing features like mirrors or eyeballs allow viewers to make connections on the various perspectives developing throughout the narrative. An interesting usage of reflections, sunlight and shadows through sharp and strategic camera work also elevates the viewing experience.
Overall, “The Woman in the Yard” excellently blends psychological horror, suspense and a compelling story built around grief and recovery. With strong performances and captivating visuals cloaked in a disorienting mind game, this film keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
4.5 stuffed penguins out of 5
