A grieving mother. A mysterious figure in black. The Woman in the Yard is a taut psychological horror that explores grief, guilt, and motherhood in a rural, isolated setting. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra and led by a standout performance from Danielle Deadwyler, the film slowly builds tension through atmosphere rather than jump-scares. Currently in Prime Video’s top 10, it has earned attention for its haunting mood and emotional depth, making it a standout among recent horror releases. Whether you’re a fan of slow-burn thrillers or character-driven suspense, this film is an absolute must-watch. Here is everything you need to know about The Woman in the Yard – from the plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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The Woman in the Yard – all the key details
- Title: The Woman in the Yard
- Format: Film
- Length / Runtime: 87 minutes
- Genre: Horror, psychological thriller
- Country of production: United States
- Original language: English
- Director / Creator: Jaume Collet-Serra
- Lead cast: Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Russell Hornsby, Peyton Jackson
- Produced by: Blumhouse Productions / Universal Pictures
What The Woman in the Yard is about
After a car crash that claimed her husband’s life, Ramona is left to care for her teenage son and young daughter in a remote farmhouse. The house is isolated, the power unreliable, and the outside world feels suspended in unease. One morning, she spots a woman dressed entirely in black, sitting silently in the yard and whispering, “today’s the day.”
Rather than relying on jump-scares, the film builds a creeping sense of dread. It blurs the line between external threat and internal fear, using its isolated setting to examine grief, guilt, and the pressures of motherhood. As the mysterious figure draws closer, tension builds gradually, keeping viewers on edge without relying on sudden shocks.
Cast and main characters
Danielle Deadwyler plays Ramona, balancing survivor strength with the vulnerabilities of a grieving mother. Okwui Okpokwasili is the mysterious figure in black whose presence drives the film’s tension. Russell Hornsby appears as David, Ramona’s late husband, setting the emotional tone through flashbacks. Peyton Jackson portrays the teenage son, whose curiosity and frustration heighten the suspense, while Estella Kahiha is the younger daughter, whose innocence amplifies the stakes. Overall, Deadwyler’s performance has received strong praise for its emotional depth.
Is it based on a true story?
No. The film is an original story written by Sam Stefanak and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. It is not adapted from a book or real events.
The reviews
Critics have praised The Woman in the Yard for its tense atmosphere and Danielle Deadwyler’s commanding performance, noting that the film builds suspense through mood rather than conventional jump scares. At its core, the story is a meditation on grief, guilt, and the invisible burdens of motherhood, with the mysterious figure serving as a haunting reflection of Ramona’s internal struggles. While some reviewers found the final act less cohesive, many appreciated its focus on psychological unease and thematic depth, particularly in how it explores trauma, isolation, and the complex dynamics within a grieving family. Ultimately, the film’s terror is equally psychological, emotional, and supernatural, creating a haunting resonance that lingers beyond the screen.
Filming locations
The movie was filmed primarily in Georgia, using a mix of studio sets and rural farmhouse locations to create a sense of isolation and heighten suspense.
Release date on streaming
The Woman in the Yard is available on Amazon Prime Video starting April 15, 2025 ► Watch on Prime
