Blumhouse Productions has introduced a compelling new addition to the horror genre with The Woman in the Yard, featuring actress Danielle Deadwyler in a significant role. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the film, set for a 2025 release, stars Deadwyler as Ramona, a determined single mother striving to shield her two children from the supernatural threats posed by the enigmatic Woman haunting their property. The trailers for The Woman in the Yard created buzz, promising an exhilarating cinematic experience under Collet-Serra’s direction, known for his work on Netflix’s Carry-On.
Unfortunately, the film has garnered a disappointing critical reception, with critics rating it a mere 41% on Rotten Tomatoes, and audience reviews lagging slightly behind at 45%. This lukewarm reception comes as a surprise, especially in light of Deadwyler’s impressive body of work, which has consistently received accolades. While this marks a notable shift in her Rotten Tomatoes track record, The Woman in the Yard has not overshadowed her overall success in recent years.
The Woman in the Yard: Danielle Deadwyler’s First “Rotten”Movie
Breaking a Strong Streak for Deadwyler
Prior to The Woman in the Yard, Danielle Deadwyler’s impressive trajectory included several critically acclaimed films, all deemed “fresh”on Rotten Tomatoes over the past six years. While not every film has been reviewed on the platform, those that have positioned her as a leading actress, excelling in a variety of high-quality productions. Among the 37 critics who reviewed The Woman in the Yard, 22 issued unfavorable ratings, reflecting a divergence from her past successes (source: Rotten Tomatoes).
Despite the overarching critical backlash, several reviewers acknowledged Deadwyler’s strong performance. For instance, Jordan Hoffman from Fangoria awarded a positive rating, notably praising Deadwyler’s “sympathetic”interpretation of Ramona. Similarly, Collider’s Jeff Ewing highlighted her “excellent”acting, suggesting that while the movie may have faltered in some areas, Deadwyler’s performance significantly uplifted its overall reception.
Deadwyler’s Previous Films Outshine The Woman in the Yard
A Departure from Deadwyler’s Past Cinematic Heights
In stark contrast to The Woman in the Yard, every reviewed film featuring Deadwyler boasts an impressive rating of at least 75% on Rotten Tomatoes. This includes titles such as Carry-On, The Piano Lesson, I Saw the TV Glow, 40 Acres, Till, The Harder They Fall, and The Devil to Pay. Notably, Till stands out with an extraordinary 96% rating, illustrating the acclaim Deadwyler has earned throughout her filmography.
Additionally, Deadwyler’s talent has not gone unnoticed, as she has received nominations for prestigious awards, including BAFTA Awards, Screen Actors Guild, and Critic’s Choice Awards. Overall, while The Woman in the Yard may not reflect Deadwyler’s exceptional range and skill, her celebrated performances in prior works underscore her status as a formidable talent in contemporary cinema.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes