The Woman in Black

****
UK Release Date: February 10th 2012

A young lawyer travels to a remote village where he discovers the vengeful ghost of a scorned woman is terrorizing the locals.

Director: James Watkins (Eden Lake)

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe

My initial verdict when watching The Woman in Black is 'how can this film only be a 12A? For those who have already seen it, you will know. 

Based on a book and then a play shortly after, TWiB is scarey, creepy, jumpy. You name it, it has it. It piles on the horror cliches, but they are done so well they are instantly forgiven. The film's low lighting, reputable production and spot-on camera-work are combined to frighten the living daylights out of you. Anyone close to the age of twelve should rethink watching it though! 

Whenever lawyer turned investigator Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) enters the old manor we become cannon fodder for the ghost's surprise attacks (or frights). Every scare is unexpected and even more powerful than the last.

The Woman in Black is Radcliffe's first film since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. His acting is superb. He has a brooding, unemotional presence. Nothing phases him since the death of his wife.

His age is an odd one. Arthur has been through a lot for someone who's in his early 20's, He's the only young adult in a town full of older residents. Set against the locals, Arthur is the only fresh faced human not effected by the ghost.

It's fantastic to see Radcliffe breaking out of the Harry Potter mould and in to a different genre. This horror is chilling to the bone. If you scare easily, make sure a pillow or cushion is within reach.