The Woman in Black DVD Review

'The Woman in Black' Examiner DVD Review, Written by: Karen Benardello Creating an effective horror movie that features an in-depth plot-line and detailed character backgrounds, frightening physical and emotional scares and visually stunning sets can be a monumental challenge for many directors, as they may not have the time and/or resources to include all of these important elements. ‘The Woman in Black,’ which is now available to rent on DVD at select Long Island Redbox locations, unfortunately fails to embody these important aspects. While the film does feature captivating sets and some frightening scares, it doesn’t provide a developed back-story to make it truly memorable. ‘The Woman in Black’ follows young London lawyer Arthur Kipps (played by Daniel Radcliffe), who leaves his sickly son Joseph (portrayed by Misha Handley) to travel to the countryside to settle the legal affairs of the recently deceased Alice Drablow (played by Alisa Khazanova). Upon his arrival in her small village, Arthur discovers that following a series of inexplicable accidents and suicides, parents have began locking their children inside to protect them. While the village’s residents, including Mr. Jerome (portrayed by Tim McMullan), the local agent of Arthur’s firm, have asked him not to go to Alice’s home, Eel Marsh House, he travels there anyway. Arthur is determined to finish going through her paperwork, in an effort to protect his job. He receives help from local landowner Sam Daily (played by Ciaran Hinds), whose young son drowned years before. While at Eel Marsh House, Arthur discovers that Alice’s sister, Jennet Hmfrye (portrayed by Liz White), has returned to the house and village after her death as the menacing title spectre. After seeing her figure, Arthur learns that whenever she makes her presence known, a child is killed, in an effort to avenge the death of her own son, Nathaniel (played by Ashley Foster). Arthur must do whatever it takes to not only save Joseph, but the local children as well, from the woman in black. The bonus features included on the ‘Woman in Black’ DVD offer extensive insight into the making of the horror thriller. The extras include a making-of feature, a short about Radcliffe’s role in the film and an audio commentary by director James Watkins and screenwriter Jane Goldman. To continue reading this review, please click here.