The Woman in the Yard

The film begins with a poignant moment as Ramona, portrayed by Danielle Deadwyler, watches an old video of her deceased husband, David, played by Russell Hornsby. In the video, David expresses his desire to name their home, hinting at the warmth and love that once filled their lives. Tragically, Ramona is left that home as a reminder of the life-changing car accident in which she lost David. Now living in an isolated area with her children, Taylor (portrayed by Peyton Jackson) and Annie (played by Estella Kahiha), she struggles both with her physical limitations and emotional distance from her kids.

As the family copes with the aftermath of their loss, they face the additional challenge of living without power, leaving the children bored and restless. Their isolation takes a turn when a mysterious woman, played by Okwui Okpokwasili, appears in their yard. When Ramona confronts her, the Woman’s initial innocent inquiry of “How did I get here?” swiftly shifts to a sinister tone. She eerily knows Ramona’s name and the details surrounding her tragic accident, ominously declaring, “Today’s the day,” while revealing her blood-stained palms.

Determined to protect her children, Ramona forbids them from approaching the Woman, but as tensions rise, Taylor confronts Ramona, leading to an emotional clash that scares Annie, prompting her to hide in fear. Taylor then directly confronts the Woman, armed with a rifle. The Woman, unfazed, begins revealing uncomfortable truths about the night of their father’s death, suggesting that Ramona has not been honest with them.

In a series of disturbing flashbacks, we see Ramona and David during an argument after dining out. Ramona’s feelings of despair and being overwhelmed by her responsibilities bubble to the surface, culminating in a tragic moment where she loses control of the car, resulting in David’s death. This revelation devastates her children, who are left to grapple with the fact that their mother lied about the events that changed their lives forever.

As the Woman’s dark presence intensifies, she unleashes chaos upon the family, using her shadow to wreak havoc and sending furniture flying. Ramona, realizing the danger, ushers her children into the attic for safety. There, the Woman stalks them, cloaking the attic in darkness and revealing her scarred visage, particularly targeting Annie, claiming that she only wishes to take her home.

In a turning twist, Ramona finds herself in the Woman’s position, echoing the previous question, “How did I get here?” as she reaches out to her daughter, trying to soothe Annie’s fears. The narrative continues to shift until Ramona bravely confronts the Woman in a desperate bid for her children’s safety. She devises a plan to send Taylor and Annie away, believing that this sacrifice might protect them from harm. However, just as she seems poised to end her own life with a rifle, the Woman reveals her true nature — a manifestation of Ramona’s plea for strength, born from her loneliness and the overwhelming weight of grief.

When Ramona summons the courage to embrace life, the Woman dissipates, allowing Ramona to reconnect with her children. As they emerge back into their home, the lights flicker on, symbolizing a new beginning for their family. The film closes with a heartwarming moment: Ramona and her children celebrate their home, which is now named “Iris Haven,” a tribute to the love that brought them together. The final image reflects the Woman’s haunting face, coupled with Ramona’s name inscribed backward, leaving viewers pondering the profound connection between the seen and unseen, as well as the enduring power of familial love amidst tragedy.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:03