Metacritic Movie Ratings
The Woman in Black Reviews

4.0

62

out of 100

Metascore®
Generally favorable reviews
Based on a weighted average of all critic review scores.

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

  • 80

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times

    If the story is laid out none too subtly, its straightforward purity is, finally, its greatest strength. Screenwriter Jane Goldman has adapted Susan Hill's 1983 novel (which spawned a radio series, TV movie and long-running West End stage play) with economy, placing a premium on eeriness, not gore.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    USA TodayClaudia Puig

    As opposed to modern horror flicks like the "Saw" movies, where gruesome violence can almost blunt fears, The Woman in Black is a tasteful, old-school frightener, emphasizing suspense and foreboding over blood and guts.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

    Not since young Hutter arrived at Orlok's castle in "Nosferatu" has a journey to a dreaded house been more fearsome than the one in The Woman in Black.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    The New York TimesManohla Dargis

    Less gore is more here, and what a relief. The Woman in Black isn't especially scary, but it keeps you on edge, and without the usual vivisectionist imagery.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    VarietyLeslie Felperin

    Helmer James Watkins ("Eden Lake") and scripter Jane Goldman judiciously combine moves from the classic scare-'em-ups with new tricks from recent J-horror pictures to retell Susan Hill's oft-adapted Victorian gothic pastiche.

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  • 67

    out of 100

    Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum

    An old-fashioned, tastefully constrained supernatural thriller, The Woman In Black embraces the elements of gothic horror movies with pleasing seriousness.

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  • 60

    out of 100

    Wall Street JournalJohn Anderson

    The landscape is dire, the architecture is haunted, children disappear by the dozens and antique toys inexplicably spark to life. That Mr. Radcliffe doesn't is part of the problem.

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See all The Woman in Black movie reviews at Metacritic.com

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