Featured Audience Ratings

• Nikhil N

  
  This movie understands fear. Radcliffe proves that he can stand alone as a brilliant actor. This movie is so good at inspiring moments of pure terror as Radcliffe paces down the hall and the camera zooms in all too perfectly. Dread and anticipation and horror are all present in this… More
  This movie understands fear. Radcliffe proves that he can stand alone as a brilliant actor. This movie is so good at inspiring moments of pure terror as Radcliffe paces down the hall and the camera zooms in all too perfectly. Dread and anticipation and horror are all present in this classic horror movie. It ends very abruptly but the movie remains charming. I have yet to come across a horror movie that I will remember and be afraid of years later, but The Woman In Black, although not all too scary, is impossible to forget.

• Joseph M

  
  A

• KJ P

  
  "The Woman in Black" boasts a solid performance by Daniel Radcliffe, but fresh out of the "Harry Potter" series, it is definitely hard to adapt to his new style of acting, although it has yet to be shown that is range of acting is broad. As a lawyer travels away… More
  "The Woman in Black" boasts a solid performance by Daniel Radcliffe, but fresh out of the "Harry Potter" series, it is definitely hard to adapt to his new style of acting, although it has yet to be shown that is range of acting is broad. As a lawyer travels away from his some to a village where he finds an abandoned house, he investigates as he finds out the death of many of the villagers from the past, and how they might be tormenting the children of the town. Although this horror film plays it safe, keeping it in the same location for pretty much the duration of the film, it is a well-told horror story that is filled with quite a few genuinely terrifying moments. "The Woman in Black" is well directed and well-acted. Definitely worth the time, especially if you are a horror fan. It's interesting, albeit simple

• xGary X

  
  A lawyer and single parent still grieving the loss of his wife is sent to a country mansion supposedly haunted by a woman who causes the local children to commit suicide. Daniel Radcliffe's first foray into a world beyond Hogwart's is a Gothic ghost story in the tradition of… More
  A lawyer and single parent still grieving the loss of his wife is sent to a country mansion supposedly haunted by a woman who causes the local children to commit suicide. Daniel Radcliffe's first foray into a world beyond Hogwart's is a Gothic ghost story in the tradition of Hammer Horror which takes the now familiar ingredients of J Horror and transposes them to Victorian England. Radcliffe actually makes the transition quite well and the spectre of Potter is soon forgotten as he gives a suitably haunted performance within some nicely atmospheric locations. The biggest problem is that the usual gimmicks of unseen faces at windows, midnight exhumations and occupant free rocking chairs have all been seen so often before it all seems so familiar that there are no surprises at all for such a jaded cinema goer as I; particularly considering the pseudo happy ending that seemed completely lacking in any satisfying resolution to the story. I'm sure it provides enough shocks and frights for those of an age who have grown up with young Dan however, and it's well made enough to be considered as a reasonable diversion to fans of a good old fashioned ghost story.

• Dean !

  
  Hmmm a 12 rated "Horror" film?! Yep it doesn't really work, the only scares are predictable jumpy loud noise moments and spooky imagery. It has quite a dark story behind it though, it's just unfortunate that there is a real lack of dialogue with long quiet sections… More
  Hmmm a 12 rated "Horror" film?! Yep it doesn't really work, the only scares are predictable jumpy loud noise moments and spooky imagery. It has quite a dark story behind it though, it's just unfortunate that there is a real lack of dialogue with long quiet sections of Daniel Radcliffe walking round a creepy house. The production design is excellent though which adds to the right atmosphere, just not that scary for grown ups.

• Cynthia S

  
  The original kind of scary movie here, and I really enjoy this type...I miss this type. This is old cinema, haunted house scary. Creepy. Spooky. Suspenseful. Very well done. Daniel Radcliffe was excellent (and I am NOT a Harry Potter fan). I think that he will continue to have an… More
  The original kind of scary movie here, and I really enjoy this type...I miss this type. This is old cinema, haunted house scary. Creepy. Spooky. Suspenseful. Very well done. Daniel Radcliffe was excellent (and I am NOT a Harry Potter fan). I think that he will continue to have an acting future if he keeps picking quality movies like this...

• Emil K

  
  For it's whole running time this genuinely eerie and terrifying horror film, with superb lensing by Tim Maurice-Jones and stylish gothich production design, had me on the edge of my seat and served one of the most well crafted genre entries ever made. There are so many elements… More
  For it's whole running time this genuinely eerie and terrifying horror film, with superb lensing by Tim Maurice-Jones and stylish gothich production design, had me on the edge of my seat and served one of the most well crafted genre entries ever made. There are so many elements in their right places here and director James Watkins has clearly become one of the brightest new names in filmmaking when it comes to horror. Watkins is a director who seems to know his stuff with mystery stories like this. The Woman in Black might not serve any new tricks in this house and honestly why should it. This is a classical and very old school filmmaking when it comes to scares. It has echoes of Robert Wise's brilliant The Haunting in it and even when the shocks are obvious and can be guessed by miles away they still manage to be truly terrifying. Watkins has unique ability to create a disturbing spell on his film with it's thick and spooky atmosphere. I myself enjoyed very much in the presence of this extremely well made film which has some superb artistic touches in it too. Horror films like this don't come too often anymore. These days way too many horror films rely on a cheap torture porn. Luckily we still have directors like Watkins who know how to tell terrifying story with elegance and without any unnecessary visual trickery. Screenplay, which is based on Susan Hill's novel, by Jane Goldman is tight and well paced affair and serves even a couple of interesting twists along the way. This is definetly a film which trusts more of it's story, atmosphere and characters than visual effects. When it comes to acting it is nice to see how charming and confident Daniel Radcliffe is in his first major film-role after the Potter-franchise. Here he proves that he is capable of carrying more complex lead role on his shoulders also. Ciaran Hind is equally fantastic in a important supporting role. The Woman in Black is very well made vintage horror in the best hammer-tradition. It is a brilliant spookhouse full of tricks and terror and a film which will keep you glued on the screen and one which will have you guessing till the very end. For those who like their horror served with style and elegance The Woman in Black is a perfect way to spend a rainy evening. This is one of the best genre entries of this century so far, do not miss it.

• Anthony L

  
  The Woman in Black is directed beautifully by James Watkins who I have to say has done really well considering this is only his second feature film. The cinematography, set, props, costume etc are fantastic and really make the film. The acting is not so great though, Roger Allam and… More
  The Woman in Black is directed beautifully by James Watkins who I have to say has done really well considering this is only his second feature film. The cinematography, set, props, costume etc are fantastic and really make the film. The acting is not so great though, Roger Allam and Janet McTeer are good in their supporting roles but I'm afraid this film only backs up my opinions regarding Daniel Radcliffe's acting skills - he hasn't got any. Shame really, as this film obviously used his big name and his 'What's he going to do after Potter' status to its advantage but it would have been so much better if another actor had played the part in my opinion. The big problem I have is that the scares got a bit cheap and a bit too frequent to really play on the suspense which I thought it lacked. It's only really big scare was stolen from the far scarier, superior and far more suspenseful Gin gwai (The Eye).

• ♥˩ƳИИ &

  
  "<b><i>The Woman in Black</b></i> is the first grown up film I have seen Daniel Radcliffe in since his Potter days. I thought he was great. I thought it would be weird seeing him play a father, but it wasn't. The story is sad and disturbing. There… More
  "<b><i>The Woman in Black</b></i> is the first grown up film I have seen Daniel Radcliffe in since his Potter days. I thought he was great. I thought it would be weird seeing him play a father, but it wasn't. The story is sad and disturbing. There wasn't a lot of dialogue which I guess worked for the film. I wanted more interaction with Arthur and the other towns folk. I liked the dark and dreary way the film was shot. It set the scene for what was to come. I didn't find the film scary. I wish it was. But I do think the movie is creepy. It was a good movie. But nothing I would watch again."

• Josh L

  
  A throwback horror film that has no gore whatsoever and tries to scare you with the things that go bump in the night. The story is pretty interesting and has an ending that fits the material nicely and is even somewhat unexpected. It is a little slow and boring in parts since… More
  A throwback horror film that has no gore whatsoever and tries to scare you with the things that go bump in the night. The story is pretty interesting and has an ending that fits the material nicely and is even somewhat unexpected. It is a little slow and boring in parts since there's very little dialogue, but it sets the mood nicely and the film looks great. Daniel Radcliffe doesn't have much to do here other than make faces at ghostly images. It's nice to see him in something after Harry Potter because I do think he has potential, but this project wasn't one to let him break out. A solid little creep show for those that like their horror movies with a little class. Pretty rare these days.

• Graham W

  
  If it wasn't for small bits of CGI and lots of Japanese style screaming ghost faces, this could have been made back in Hammer's hay day. The film is slightly let down by the fact that too much is shown on screen. I've always felt that less is more when it comes to a… More
  If it wasn't for small bits of CGI and lots of Japanese style screaming ghost faces, this could have been made back in Hammer's hay day. The film is slightly let down by the fact that too much is shown on screen. I've always felt that less is more when it comes to a psychological thriller, make a suggestion and let the viewer fill in the blanks. Ultimately, this enjoyable, but it's not as scary as it could, or should be.

• vieras e

  
  Had they toned down the japanesque ghosties, I would have given this another half a star. They already had so much going on with the atmosphere and the fantastic setting.

• familiar s

  
  It was like some old age horror thriller freshly painted (just applied color to an ancient background). Even if Arthur's magic (performance) would have worked wonders, I don't think it could have saved this outdated script executed likewise.

• JY S

  
  Director James Watkins, sticks to the basics in <i>The Woman in Black</i>.<p>Hovering around 90 minutes, the dark tone of the film is consistent throughout, along with a serene to moderate pace. Both definitely work in this film's favor; however, the tradeoff… More
  Director James Watkins, sticks to the basics in <i>The Woman in Black</i>.<p>Hovering around 90 minutes, the dark tone of the film is consistent throughout, along with a serene to moderate pace. Both definitely work in this film's favor; however, the tradeoff ends up in a lack of excitement.</p><p>There is heavy reliance on the film's setting, which is fantastic, and its ominous nature to deliver the suspense. This ends up only working to a point. At some parts, the dolls in the house are creepier than the film itself, while at others the story seems to wander left and right to bide its time.</p><p>Daniel Radcliffe ends up with a nice look to blend in well with this picture's location. His performance tends to be bland, but his character is somewhat meant to be that way. There really isn't much to say about the supporting cast because Radcliffe ends up all over this picture.</p><p><i>The Woman in Black</i> is what it is. A ghost story with a few moments here and there. This isn't exactly a recommendable film, but it could be worse.</p>

• Alexander D

  
  Set during World War I, THE WOMAN IN BLACK tells of a British lawyer named Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), who travels to a village where a ghost of a âwoman in blackâ? is haunting residents. The story would be interesting and somewhat deep, had we not seen it several other times.… More
  Set during World War I, THE WOMAN IN BLACK tells of a British lawyer named Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), who travels to a village where a ghost of a âwoman in blackâ? is haunting residents. The story would be interesting and somewhat deep, had we not seen it several other times. The film is hardly anything more than a ninety-six-minute clichà (C). If youâ(TM)ve seen any horror movie, or know the genre well, youâ(TM)ll likely find this a very predictable film. The cinematography (that is, when itâ(TM)s not too fluorescent to fit in a horror film), ominous music, and build-up on quote-unquote âtensionâ? gives every attempted scare away before it even strikes. Due to this critical lack of fear presented, the film feels like an overly quiet, exhaustingly dull drama, only with intermittent screaming in the distance. I canâ(TM)t imagine a horror fan enjoying the film. I canâ(TM)t imagine a non-horror fan enjoying it, either. Nor can I imagine one having any desire to see it. Knowing how dreadful THE WOMAN IN BLACK is, why should anyone have any desire to see it? Read it all at themoviefreakblog.com

• Zach B

  
  This is the type of film I have been waiting for in the horror genre. Being a fan of the older horror films of Universal and Hammer Studios, this is a giant canister of fresh air in horror films. In this film, you will not find any real resemblance of modern horror. Only pure horror… More
  This is the type of film I have been waiting for in the horror genre. Being a fan of the older horror films of Universal and Hammer Studios, this is a giant canister of fresh air in horror films. In this film, you will not find any real resemblance of modern horror. Only pure horror that creeps into your skin and makes you want to have the lights on. This is a ghost story of the highest order and one that shows that there is some hope for horror. What makes this film work as a horror film of the olden days is how Gothic it is and how it pays tribute to the olden Gothic films that shaped cinema. The best example will be with the start of the film that plays very much like the tale of Dracula: a businessman is going to a forbidden place that is frowned upon by village people and his presence causes chaos and panic for everyone. I have yet to read the original novel or the first film adaption, but based on this film, I am having to praise James Watkins on his direction of the film by keeping things dark, hiding things in shadows, messing with your mind, and making the atmosphere so thick you can hardly breathe. But mainly with how he makes the house where the action is centered around the main star. This being a haunted house tale, it is important that the main house is the center of attention and Watkins keeps that up from start to finish. Okay, I am going to need to state this now: this is not a Harry Potter film and if you are one of those viewers that is just seeing this for Harry Potter, then I pity you. Daniel Radcliffe uses this film as a way to separate himself from the film series he will always be remembered for, and for the most part, he is able to portray his character with a mature feel. However, I personally say that this film is too early for him to do. Yes, he has aged a lot but he still has that feeling of Potter. Mainly due to the final film still being present in people's minds. But for what he can do as an actor, he does a rather good job. Probably much better than what was required. Right there, that is the thing about this film that just adds to it: the performances from the supporting cast is beyond wonderful. Probably more so than what was really needed. To me, it was like everyone knew that the true star of this film was going to be the house (and still is) and they all wanted to try and up the ante. Now, is this a bad thing? No. However, it just stands out a lot to me. In the end, I will admit that I was left with a huge grin on my face and a bit of a chuckle. As said at the beginning, this is the horror film I have been praying for. It's creepy, spooky, basically everything Tim Burton tries to do but can't anymore. If this film does not get nominated for best art direction then I am going to be beyond disappointed. However, I will say this: I was expecting Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee to pop out at any given moment.

• Samuel R

  
  I found it difficult to declare whether I enjoyed this film or not. To be honest, I liked it, but it didn't deliever the scares I had anticipated. I had heard that the film was supposedly very scary, however,it heavily relies on jump moments. Those who watch horror or films in… More
  I found it difficult to declare whether I enjoyed this film or not. To be honest, I liked it, but it didn't deliever the scares I had anticipated. I had heard that the film was supposedly very scary, however,it heavily relies on jump moments. Those who watch horror or films in general, will easily predict when these moments occured. However, there were a couple of moments that made me feel disturbed.Overall, this is beyond suitable for young children. However, what this film succeeds in is creating the perfect atmosphere; dark,creepy and suspensful. Another success for this film is Daniel Radcliffe; I like how he has made a good start to his career after his success in Harry Potter. Because this film was cut for a 12A rating for the cinema, I strongly recommend to wait for it to be on DVD if it releases a uncut version.

• Everett J

  
  I love horror movies. I love being scared, I love gore, I love everything about a good horror flick. "The Woman in Black" is a ghost story that could have been a great horror movie, but settles to be a mediocre pg-13 fright flick. Daniel Radcliffe(or as I call him, Harry… More
  I love horror movies. I love being scared, I love gore, I love everything about a good horror flick. "The Woman in Black" is a ghost story that could have been a great horror movie, but settles to be a mediocre pg-13 fright flick. Daniel Radcliffe(or as I call him, Harry Potter), stars as a young lawyer who travels to a village, and discovers an evil ghost that terrorizes the village. He then investigates, and finds out the ghosts secrets and tries to stop it. There are some good scenes, but really, nothing scary or anything that hasn't already been done(and done better). Radcliffe is miscast, as I think this is more of a "see I can do more than Potter" type movie for him. Slow and sometimes boring, I lost interest in this halfway through, but I did like the ending(although, if they would have pushed it further it could have been fantastic). Ghost movies like "The Others" and "Paranormal Activity" are better, but this should hold horror fans over until something better comes out.

• Lewis C

  
  A young lawyer (Daniel Radcliffe), widowed from the day of his child's birth, leaves his young son for a few days in London in order to handle the sale of a house in a small village. The villagers are less than welcoming, and the more time he spends there, the more he learns a… More
  A young lawyer (Daniel Radcliffe), widowed from the day of his child's birth, leaves his young son for a few days in London in order to handle the sale of a house in a small village. The villagers are less than welcoming, and the more time he spends there, the more he learns a the tragedy that has and continues to befall the children of the village... and the more he may be putting his own son's life in danger. The Woman in Black is a frustrating movie. For every interesting story turn, there's an irritating flaw that keeps it from being as good as it could have been. My biggest peeve rests on the film's over-reliance on jump scares. They're used so often and predictably that they mostly ruin the effect that the creepy environments manage to muster. It just destroys the immersion factor in a movie for me when there's a loud bang and something suddenly appears in the frame over and over and over. On the positive side, the period setting is a nice change of pace, the story does unravel in an interesting way, and Racliffe does a decent job (though a lot of the time he's just gazing somberly off in the distance or resolutely investigating a suspicious noise, on the way to his next jump scare). The Woman in Black isn't bad, it just doesn't do enough to make itself stand out amongst a dozen supernatural thrillers, and it relies far too much on scare tactics that annoy me far more than they spook me. I don't mean to dissuade anyone from seeing it who's interested, just temper your expectations.

• Matthew Samuel M

  
  It's a rather bland film with not much going on. There are several commendable points of true fright which did make me jump, but other than that the movie seemed to be going nowhere. Radcliffe does a good job and the atmosphere is perfectly dark, but the script and storyline do… More
  It's a rather bland film with not much going on. There are several commendable points of true fright which did make me jump, but other than that the movie seemed to be going nowhere. Radcliffe does a good job and the atmosphere is perfectly dark, but the script and storyline do neither of them justice. The ending of the film is also very weak. However, though as a film it fails, as a horror film it does better than most works of the same genre.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings