THE WOMAN IN THE YARD is a new psychological horror movie from Jaume Collet-Serra featuring yet another stellar performance by Danielle Deadwyler. This movie is about grief and depression, and deserves so much recognition. Read our full The Woman in the Yard movie review here!
THE WOMAN IN THE YARD is a psychological horror movie that might seem very simple on the surface. However, in order to truly enjoy and understand it, you have to look beyond what’s shown and understand what’s being told.
It comes from horror director Jaume Collet-Serra, but has a story that focuses on the manifestation of unbearable grief that has led to depression. Keep this in mind as you watch the movie, and it should all make sense. The runtime of just 88 minutes works perfectly.
Continue reading our The Woman in the Yard movie review below. Find it on Digital now and on Peacock from June 27, 2025.
The struggles of Ramona and her family
When The Woman in the Yard opens, we meet Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler). She’s a woman completely crippled by grief and also seriously injured after a car accident that took the life of her husband (Russell Hornsby).
Despite her struggles, Ramona must keep going for her two kids. Unfortunately, she clearly hasn’t managed to do so, so her 14-year-old son (Peyton Jackson) has been more of a parent for the 6-year-old daughter (Estella Kahiha).
Quick side note: These two young actors are amazing, which brings it all together as well.
The fact that they’re living in a rural farmhouse far from everyone else doesn’t help.
And then one day, the woman with a black veil shows up in their yard. Ramona picks herself up and confronts the woman (Okwui Okpokwasili). She believes the woman must be lost or sick. Instead, she asks weird questions and makes strange statements.
As the woman in the yard creeps ever closer to the house, it becomes clear that something sinister is afoot. Can Ramona fight back to protect herself and her children from this woman?
Witness grief and depression manifested
The title character of The Woman in the Yard is a strange phenomenon that just shows up one day. A woman shrouded entirely in black, who suddenly appears outside the family’s house with the ominous warning of “Today’s the day.”
What does it all mean? Well, before the movie is over, you will have all the answers you need. If you do not, then you weren’t paying attention.
Or maybe you’re fortunate enough not to be able to relate to, connect with, or simply understand the tragedy this family is living with.
Yet!
Lucky for you.
Without getting too dark, all of us will eventually experience the darker sides of life and loss. For those of us who have already been living with intense grief, the story speaks volumes.
It did for me.
Watch The Woman in the Yard on Digital now and Peacock soon
The Woman in the Yard is directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, who previously directed such diverse horror movies as The Shallows (2016) and Orphan (2009). The latter had a sequel come out in 2022. Most recently, he also directed Carry-On (2024).
Jason Blum (The Invisible Man, The Black Phone) is a producer on this movie, which I love. I mean, seeing something deeper and darker, touching on elements that many people will encounter in life (grief and depression).
ANOTHER HORROR SEQUEL COMING
Also, producing is Emmy-nominated producer Stephanie Allain p.g.a. (The Exorcist: Believer, Hustle & Flow). Star Danielle Deadwiler is an executive producer alongside director Jaume Collet-Serra, James Moran, and Gabrielle Ebron.
Jaume Collet-Serra also directed Danielle Deadwyler in Carry On, and I must admit, I hope to see the two work together on more horror movies in the future. She has exactly the depth and intensity that can make these genre movies come together in the darkest way!
The same goes for the screenwriter of The Woman in the Yard. He should also continue working with the director and actor. This is the feature film debut of screenwriter Sam Stefanak, and what a debut. Please, do it again, Sam, and keep up this storytelling quality!
The Woman in the Yard will be on Peacock from June 27, 2025.
Details
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Script: Sam Stefanak
Cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Russell Hornsby, Peyton Jackson, Estella Kahiha
Plot
Already grieving the death of her husband, Ramona faces a new fear when a mysterious figure appears outside her farmhouse. With the woman continually creeping closer, Ramona must protect her children from the chilling grasp of this haunting entity whose unknown intentions are anything but peaceful.
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