Chances are, if you’re an avid horror fan, you were eager to see Blumhouse’s latest psychological horror film, The Woman in the Yard. After all, the production company has created some widely successful horror films and franchises that feature on many best-of-horror lists created by those who adore the genre and keep coming back for more. That said, a majority of Blumhouse’s more recent movies have been poorly received by critics, with far more misses than hits.
In the last few years, many of their horror films have centered on generic storylines, exploring themes that are overused and have been depicted much more effectively in other features within the horror space. Each title also appears to incorporate an excessive amount of jump scares into the story, in an attempt to make up for the dull narratives that follow a predictable path.
Due to this stagnant formula, I had low expectations entering my showing of The Woman in the Yard. However, I must admit that Blumhouse's latest feature offers significantly more appeal than the other horror films they have recently released. For the first hour of the movie, The Woman in the Yard takes its time building suspense and tension as viewers experience the family dynamic between the characters, which consists of a mother and two children. As time goes on, we learn more about the grief they are experiencing after the recent devastating loss of a father/husband.
Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler) has been an absent mother since the loss of her beloved partner David (Russell Hornsby) and isolates herself in the bedroom most of the time. As a result, she’s placed pressure on her oldest child, Taylor (Peyton Jackson), to watch out for his little sister Annie (Estella Kahiha), and whenever something goes wrong, Taylor seems to be his mother’s scapegoat. It’s clear early on that Ramona is dealing with survivor’s guilt, as she was also involved in the car accident that killed her husband, though she survived the tragic event. She hasn’t paid the electricity bill, so the house's power has been cut off, and there’s barely anything left to eat. Due to Ramona’s state of mind, Taylor tries to stay strong and tends to the house duties. He cooks up breakfast with limited food options and improvises by adding Doritos to the eggs. However, this odd culinary combo is the least of the family's worries after they spot a spooky woman sitting in their front yard. She appears out of nowhere and is draped from head to toe in a veil.
What can be appreciated about The Woman in the Yard is that, for two-thirds of the film, the story is unpredictable and takes its time maintaining the mystery surrounding the cloaked stranger. Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski brings this eerie, enigmatic presence to life through a relatively straightforward idea, which is deeply unsettling and effective. This mysterious woman can be seen through the window, merely sitting in a chair, but this minimalistic approach is what makes her profoundly unsettling. During this period, viewers are left questioning who she is, what brought her to this family’s house, and what she might be capable of, which is when the story is at its best. As she edges closer to the home, you can’t help but wonder what will be unveiled when she’s finally close enough to do harm, and that uncertainty is absolutely terrifying.
Unfortunately, when the narrative ventures into answering those questions, that’s when The Woman in the Yard stalls. Deadwyler carries this film to the finish line and gives a fantastic performance, which further strengthens the narrative, but the conclusion—though bold—is deeply upsetting and infuriating. To give The Woman in the Yard credit where it’s due, there are some themes portrayed in the film that accurately reflect how certain aspects of life realistically impact humans. Although, the ending twist comes across as rather careless with the message it conveys to viewers.
It’s also worth mentioning that The Woman in the Yard is a film that will be divisive among the audience depending on how the viewer interprets the ending. If you believe the outcome means one thing and veers on the positive side, then you might have a favorable reaction to it. However, if, like me, you believe the conclusion represents a much darker reality, the final minutes will leave you feeling exasperated, especially when the meaning behind a line spoken early in the film’s true purpose is revealed.
The Woman In The Yard is currently in theaters everywhere.