The Woman In Black Review

4 star genuinely scary British horror/mystery.

The Woman In Black is a made for T.V. film first shown in the UK on Christmas Eve 1989. It is based on the 1983 novel of the same name written by Susan Hill (The Mist In the Mirror, I’m the King of the Castle) and directed by the great Herbert Wise (I Claudius, The 10th Kingdom).

It is now available on Blu-ray in High Definition for the first time worldwide exclusively from the Network website.

“It’s got a name. Nine Lives Causeway. Like what the cat’s got.It’s what you need out here.”

Arthur Kidd (Adrian Rawlins – Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 & 2) is a young and slightly disorganised lawyer working out of a prestigious law firm in London. He has a wife Stella (Clare Holman – Blood Diamond, Inspector Lewis) and two small children, of which his boss Mr. Sweetman (David Ryall – Mr. Turner) heartily disapproves.

One day he is unexpectedly summoned to the office. Mr. Sweetman has a job for him of the utmost importance. He is to take the train to the small coastal town of Crythin Gifford to attend to the estate of the recently deceased widow, Mrs. Alice Drablow.

Right from the start he finds a great reluctance from the locals to discuss Mrs. Drablow or her home Eel Marsh House. He is befriended by Mr. Sam Toovey (Bernard Hepton – Colditz, Get Carter), who helps him to find accomodation at the Gifford Arms, run by the capable Josiah Freston (David Daker – Time Bandits, Dick Turpin). He is also assisted by local solicitor Arnold Pepperell (John Cater – Dr. Phibes Rises Again), however none of them will accompany him to the house.

Following a disturbing vision of a woman dressed all in black at the funeral, he is finally taken across the causeway by Mr. Keckwick (William Simons – Heartbeat), only to find to his cost the reasons why no-one is willing to visit this sinister old home.

The Woman in Black is an exceptionally well made film. The acting is particularly good and the whole thing is very atmospheric. There are a couple of extremely effective jump scares as well as plenty of tension all leading up to a shocking conclusion.

It’s a brilliant ghost story, just as enjoyable today as when it was made and just as scary. Whatever possessed them to show this on Christmas Eve is beyond me, forget Tim Burton, this was the real ‘nightmare before Christmas’. Great to see this available on Blu-ray and well worth adding to your collection, especially with the fascinating booklet and limited-edition special packaging included.

“This is Arthur Kidd speaking. I’m in Eel Marsh House, among all Mrs. Drablows’ rubbish.”

The Woman In Black is available to buy now on Blu-ray exclusively from the Network Website.