The Woman in Black originally was a novel written by Susan Hill, which was later adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt. Six years after the book was published, in 1989, screenwriter Nigel Kneale wrote a TV movie version based off the play. Twenty-three years later, Daniel Radcliffe moves into full post-Potter mode to star in this horror movie directed by James Watkins, who is known more for his writing (The Descent: Part 2, Gone) then his only other film to have directed, Eden Lake.
Last fall, I was able to see the stage play that had only two actors on stage the entirety of the play, with the exception of the “lady in black” making silent, momentary appearances. I really enjoyed the play and the feeling of an old-time, well-structured horror story that worked well without the massive special effects and bright lights that many of today’s horror movies depend on to gain an audience.
From the looks of the trailer, it appears very similar to the play I saw, and I look forward to Radcliffe making his movie debut since Harry Potter. Check out the trailer below and let me know what you think of it!
I’m intrigued. Eden Lake was one of my favorite movies of the past decade. It was one of the few to genuinely unsettle me. I’m pretty sure I’ll check this movie out.
Thanks for the comment, Dave! I haven’t seen Eden Lake, but I’m definitely more curious now. Sounds like it must have been pretty creepy if it left you feeling unsettled. I look forward to seeing this movie as well.
I meant to say one of my favorite horror movies of the past decade.
Gotcha! I’ll be sure to check it out!
He seems pretty good in these kind of an era films. Reminds me of him staring in david copperfield as a child. But i wont check this film out, i hate horror.
OK, I think I might have at some point known he starred as David Copperfield. I think he’ll do well in this film. It seems like he’s making a choice that will be very transitional from Harry Potter to other dramas. As for the horror aspect – it’s very old school horror, but I can assure you that there’s not any kind of slashing or graphic content in the story (well, the play version, anyway). More like paranoia and spooks. Thanks for reading, Jeyna!
Liked Eden Lake but never been terribly convinced by Radcliffe. He has improved through the Potters but this will be a big test. I hear he was very good in that play he did so I have an open mind. Sounds pretty creepy!
I was sure you would plan on seeing this movie, Pete. I remember that you like horror a lot! I would agree that Radcliffe significantly improved throughout the Potter series. I look forward to seeing if he lives up to your expectations. Definite creep factor in this movie.
The very first trailer they released for this film was the best. It didn’t really tell a story like this one does just really promoted the ghost story part of it. Some of it genuinely creeped me out! Think of the cymbal clapping monkey times 100. Not so much a fan of this trailer, feels too… mundane.
I’ve not been a fan of Harry Potter, but looks like Radcliffe’s doing his best to come out of that here.
I think it’s interesting that there aren’t any 2 min+ trailers out there for this movie. They’re all short–or am I wrong and there’s one I don’t know about? I do remember the first one and thinking it was really good too. But I actually liked this one better BECAUSE it told the story (it helps that I’ve seen the play). That, and the one very memorable thing from the play was the creaking rocking chair, so it was nice to see that in this trailer.
I would definitely recommend Harry Potter, although I do know that it’s not for everyone. I think this is the big test for Radcliffe’s acting ability, and I’m excited to see how he does.