The definition of frightening is to fill with fear; alarm and that is what The Woman in Black can do to its viewers. Directed by James Watkins, who also directed Eden Lake, The Woman in Black is a haunting thriller that puts audiences on the edge of their seats.

The film follows Arthur Kipps, played by Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, a lawyer and widowed father, who travels to a small remote village to settle a case which could save his job. As he gets acquainted in the village, he moves into the abandoned client’s mansion and that is where he discovers a scorned female ghost terrorizing the village. She would force children in the village to do undesirable actions because she lost her child. Arthur is unaware of this when he enters the village.

This movie progressed quickly and it got just little bit freakier as each scene passed. Once Arthur stays in the client’s home, the paranormal activity was in full effect. Of course, in any ghost movie, the activity starts off small and that is what this movie did. It started with small sounds of foot steps, black figures in the background, and voices echoing in the mansion. Once the first stage of activity ended, the more extreme phenomena began.

This film builds up tension. In one part of the movie, Arthur was falling asleep at a desk looking for clues about the client and trying to figure out the big secret in the case. As he was drifting off, you could see a woman in the background in a dark as night dress watching him. She got closer and closer and as she did the candles and lights used to light up the hall went dark. As the suspense builds, the viewer is left squirming waiting for something dramatic to happen. The ghost is constantly putting Arthur through this type of terror and that’s why this movie is so frightening.

Something that was noticeable, but not a huge factor in the movie was bad was the poor dialogue used. The dialogue seemed very fake in some parts. This really doesn’t diminish the movie’s tension but it was something that anyone could notice.

One huge feature in the movie was how “jumpy” some parts can get. The music or sound effects would stop and many would know something scary would about to occur. Then, when the viewer would let his or her guard down, is when the ghost would strike. This is a good way to explain the ghostly personality.. The apparition would be this character that would make herself known and not just a object. You would actually feel bad for her as the movie goes along (even though she is making children do terrible things). Arthur tries to help her but will not spoil why he must do this.

Daniel Radcilffe was very good playing in this new role. He played in the Harry Potter series which has been celebrated for his acting. Knowing this, seeing Radcliffe in a new role was different but in a good way. It was good to see that he was not in the round black glasses with a wand fighting off Death eaters and playing in this serious, dark role. It was a very good transition and looking forward to see what other roles he can star in.

The Woman in Black has a simplistic plot, but it is terrifying because of its believability. The scary scenes made the viewer want to look away, but just couldn’t. When you are done watching this film you will be a little skeptical of rocking chairs, candles, and fog. As a warning, this movie is a bit violent. You don’t actually see what some of the children do to cause themselves harm, but you know quite well the outcome is with your imagination. Viewer discretion is advised.