Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe) is a young lawyer and widowed father struggling with grief after losing his wife during childbirth. To secure his job and provide for his son, Arthur is assigned to settle the estate of the late Alice Drablow, who lived in the isolated Eel Marsh House.
Upon arriving in the village of Crythin Gifford, Arthur encounters hostility from the locals who seem reluctant to discuss Eel Marsh House and the mysterious occurrences associated with it. He learns about the “Woman in Black,” a vengeful spirit who is said to be responsible for the deaths of local children.
As Arthur spends time in Eel Marsh House, he experiences eerie and supernatural events. He sees glimpses of the Woman in Black and realizes that her presence is linked to the deaths of children in the village. Arthur becomes determined to uncover the truth and put an end to the curse.
While investigating, Arthur discovers that the Woman in Black is Jennet Humfrye, a grieving mother whose son was taken away from her. The villagers blame her for the deaths, believing that her anger and sorrow have manifested in a vengeful ghost. The ghost’s appearance signals an imminent tragedy.
In the film’s climax, Arthur’s own son, Joseph, arrives in Crythin Gifford to visit him. The Woman in Black appears at Eel Marsh House, and tragedy strikes as Joseph is lured onto the train tracks by the ghostly apparitions of the deceased children. Arthur manages to rescue his son but is fatally struck by an oncoming train.
The film ends with Arthur reuniting with his deceased wife in the afterlife, while the villagers finally acknowledge the tragic story of Jennet Humfrye and the consequences of their actions.
“The Woman in Black” is praised for its atmospheric horror, suspenseful storytelling, and Daniel Radcliffe’s performance. It effectively captures a chilling and ghostly atmosphere, making it a memorable addition to the supernatural horror genre.