“Woman in the Yard”: Haunting drama unfolds in shadows.

“The Woman in the Yard” (Horror/Thriller: 1 hour, 28 minutes)

Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Peyton Jackson, Estella Kahiha, and Okwui Okpokwasili

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra

Rated: PG-13 (Contains terror, some violent content/bloody images, suicide-related content, and strong language)

Intriguing Premise But Lacking Execution

“The Woman in the Yard” sets out to deliver a chilling tale but, unfortunately, becomes a vehicle for a public service announcement. The undeniable talent of Danielle Deadwyler (“Till,” 2022) shines through, but the surrounding elements falter, leaving audiences yearning for depth.

A Family in Distress

Romona (Deadwyler) is a mother navigating the aftermath of a tragic automobile accident that claimed her husband, David (Russell Hornsby). She and her children, teenage son Taylor (Jackson) and young daughter Annie (Kahiha), try to find solace in their countryside abode. Their fragile peace is disrupted when a mysterious woman (Okpokwasili), clad in black and shrouded in a veil, appears unexpectedly in their yard, ominously declaring, “Today’s the day.”

An Eerie Presence

Initially, the presence of the woman in black evokes a palpable sense of fear and unease. Her silence is haunting, stirring the audience’s imagination with concerns of her mysterious intentions. However, as soon as she begins to speak, the veil of mystery dissipates, and the menacing atmosphere loses significance.

Technology as a Double-Edged Sword

In the realm of horror, the modern world often becomes the antagonist. The widespread use of **cell phones** and technology can undermine the tension that drives these narratives. Screenwriter Sam Stefanak presents a concept filled with potential, but it ultimately lacks the cleverness needed to elevate the plot.

From Promising Direction to Predictable Outcome

While director Jaume Collet-Serra has previously captivated audiences with intriguing films like “The Commuter” and “Jungle Cruise,” this effort falls short. Despite an intriguing premise, “The Woman in the Yard” morphs from a promising horror into an unfocused psychological exploration lacking the anticipated thrills.

The Verdict

Grade: C (A plea for resolution: “Go on now and git!”)

Wider Film Reviews

Seeking more cinematic insights? Check out these additional reviews:

“A Working Man”

(Action: 1 hour, 56 minutes)

Starring: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, and Maximilian Osinski

Director: David Ayer

Rated: R (Features strong violence, strong language, and drug content)

Action with Familiar Tropes

Sporting the tagline, “Human traffickers beware,” “A Working Man” provides another round of familiar action sequences starring Jason Statham. Playing Levon Cade, a construction foreman, Statham’s character is thrust into a mission to rescue his boss’s daughter from dangerous human traffickers. While this film is packed with intense action, it ultimately recycles tired masculine tropes that leave little to the imagination.

The Takeaway

Grade: C- (Time for a much-needed vacation for Statham!)

“The Penguin Lessons”

(Drama: 1 hour, 51 minutes)

Starring: Steve Coogan, Jonathan Pryce, and Vivian El Jaber

Director: Peter Cattaneo

Rated: PG-13 (Contains strong language, sexual references, and thematic elements including bullying)

A Heartwarming Story

Directed by Peter Cattaneo (“The Full Monty”), “The Penguin Lessons” is a delightful adaptation of Tom Michell’s true story. Set in Argentina in 1976, it chronicles the life-altering bond between Michell and a Magellan penguin named Juan Salvador, who unexpectedly joins him at a boys’ boarding school. This enchanting tale, while initially slow to start, evolves into a heartwarming exploration of connection and growth amid the backdrop of civil unrest.

The Final Grade

Grade: B- (An engaging but light-hearted curriculum.)