Despite the image breaking performance of Daniel Radcliffe, The Woman In Black failed to cast a disturbing influence. In fact one was less shocked by the content than the fact the fact it became an international success. What impressed though were the spooky ambience and the visual design of the film. Tom Harper is aware of the strengths of James Watkins’ film and retains the mood in the sequel as well and that’s why despite the repetitive and predictable nature of the screenplay the film manages to hold attention if not making us shift in the seat.
Set four decades after the original, the centre of attraction is once again Eel Marsh House where a group of children take refuge after the Blitz of 1941. Their teacher Eva Parkins (Phoebe Fox) puts up a brave front but things begin to go out of hands when a series of events indicate towards something sinister in the house.
A young child Edward hasn’t spoken since he saw his mother dying in the blitz and his condition forces Parkins to look into the history of the haunted house.
As she discovers details about the spirit which feeds on children, she finds a helping hand in pilot Harry (Jeremy Irvine).
Phoebe fits into the role of a resolute soul who doesn’t go berserk when things begin to turn murky. As somebody who is fighting her own battles, it reflects in her relationship with the children, Phoebe imparts an innate poise to Parker. No such luck with Irvine who reduces Harry to just a hunk eager to help the damsel in distress. The usually dependable McCrory is saddled with a thankless role of a headmistress.
It is the immersive cinematography coupled with evocative production design that stops you in the tracks and provides a string of chilling moments.