The horror thriller The Woman in the Yard, produced by Blumhouse Productions and Universal Pictures, under the direction of Jaume Collet-Serra, was initially slated for a theatrical release on January 10, 2025. However, it was removed from the release schedule to accommodate another collaboration from Blumhouse and Universal, the Wolf Man reboot helmed by Leigh Whannell. The Wolf Man premiered in theaters on January 17 but did not achieve expected box office success. The release of The Woman in the Yard took place on March 28, but it too failed to generate significant revenue, with a worldwide box office total of merely $21 million. Fortunately, for those who prefer watching movies at home, The Woman in the Yard is now available for digital streaming on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, potentially reaching a wider audience.
In a review by JoBlo’s Tyler Nichols, the film received a lackluster score of 5/10, with the critic expressing disappointment and feeling that watching it was a waste of time. This assessment reflects the mixed reception the film has garnered from audiences and critics alike.
The screenplay for The Woman in the Yard was crafted by Sam Stefanak, a former staff writer and story editor known for his work on the Netflix animated series F Is for Family. The film’s narrative revolves around a mysterious woman dressed in black who unexpectedly appears on a family’s front lawn, delivering an ominous warning. Her origins, intentions, and departure remain unknown, creating an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.
Featuring a talented cast that includes Danielle Deadwyler, known for her roles in The Devil to Pay and Till, Okwui Okpokwasili from The Exorcist: Believer and I Am Legend, along with Russell Hornsby from The Hate U Give and Fences, the film showcases a diverse array of performances that contribute to its overall impact.
According to Jason Blum, the founder of Blumhouse, he had been searching for the ideal project to collaborate with Collet-Serra for over a decade. He remarked, “The Woman in the Yard represents the perfect synergy, a film that is ambitious yet budget-friendly, combining Jaume’s unique vision with the extraordinary talent of Danielle Deadwyler.”
The film was produced by Blum alongside Stephanie Allain, while Collet-Serra and Deadwyler took on executive producing roles, joined by Gabrielle Ebron, Scott Greenberg, and James Mora. The oversight of the project from Blumhouse was managed by Haley Pigman and Jungyoon Kim, ensuring that all aspects of the film aligned with the studio’s high standards.
Collet-Serra has an impressive directorial portfolio, having previously led productions such as the superhero film Black Adam, Jungle Cruise, and The Commuter. His filmography also includes The Shallows, Run All Night, Non-Stop, Unknown, Orphan, Goal II: Living the Dream, and the 2005 remake of House of Wax. His latest project, the Netflix thriller Carry On, was well-received and featured Deadwyler in its cast, further solidifying their fruitful collaboration.
Now that The Woman in the Yard is available for digital viewing, are you planning to check it out? Share your thoughts and let us know in the comments section below!
