The Woman in Black (2012)

Directed by James Watkins and written by Jane Goldman, The Woman in Black (2012) is a gothic supernatural horror film. It tells the story of lawyer Arthur Kipps, who is sent to the village of Crythin Gifford in 1889 to retrieve documents from the late owner of Eel Marsh House, Alice Drablow. During his visit, three young girls tragically pass away after seemingly being hypnotized by a mysterious presence. In 1906, Arthur’s wife Stella dies after giving birth to their son Joseph, and four years later he makes his journey to Crythin Gifford. Despite being met with cold villagers and an unwelcoming solicitor named Jerome, Arthur finds support from wealthy landowner Samuel Daily. However, strange occurrences at Eel Marsh House soon capture his attention – including eerie noises, a locked nursery, and the appearance of a ghostly figure dressed in black funeral attire. While wandering through the marshes, Arthur is surrounded by eerie sounds, including a carriage and a crying child.

However, upon searching the causeway, he finds no one. The local constable brushes off his unease. Later that day, two children arrive at the station with their sister Victoria, who has tragically consumed lye and passes away in Arthur’s arms. The townspeople quickly point fingers at Arthur. That evening, Sam confides in him about the loss of their young son and his friends to drowning. This revelation leads Arthur to discover Jerome’s daughter barricaded in the basement for her safety. She too blames him for Victoria’s death. During a tearful confrontation, Victoria’s father accuses Arthur of associating with ‘that woman’ from Eel Marsh. Back at his lodging, Arthur uncovers letters between Alice and her sister Jennet Humfrye. It becomes clear that Jennet was forced to give up her son Nathaniel for adoption by the Drablows after being labeled mentally unstable to avoid scandal due to her unwed pregnancy.