There are a lot of elements that go into making a successful horror movie. When they all come together and hit just right, it can be gripping and engaging. But when even one of those things is off, it can be a slog.

Unfortunately, that’s the case with The Woman in the Yard, a new horror thriller that opens Friday. There are a lot of things going for it, but it doesn’t all come together in the end. That makes for a rough watch despite just an 88-minute run time.

We’re introduced to Ramona (Danielle Deadwyler) who is a woman in mourning. Her husband, David (Russell Hornsby), has recently died. And she’s having trouble letting go. That makes it tough for her and her children, Taylor (Peyton Jackson) and Annie (Estella Kahiha).

They live on a farm, isolated out in the country. The power is out, and their phones are dead. That leaves them isolated, which doesn’t matter until they spot a gothic woman (Okwui Okpokwasili) in their yard. But she isn’t what she first appears to be.

Can they figure out how to placate the woman before she leads to their undoing?

The set up here works just fine. We have an isolated location, a family in the midst of grief, and a tight cast set up. I also liked the look of the Woman and the performance from Okpokwasili, which was at times menacing.

Deadwyler is a good actress, too. She pours her great effort into this part and there are some interesting pieces to the mystery. She has some good scenes, particularly playing off Okpokwasili.

That’s the good. But unfortunately, the story is too thin here and doesn’t develop well enough. Director Jaume Collet-Serra adds some nice tension through visual flourishes, but that can’t escape a story—and a Third Act in particular—that just doesn’t work.

The film feels dull despite its tight run time. And the ending felt like a letdown, though I was relieved when it was over. There are pieces that work, but as a whole this film just doesn’t come together.

The Woman in the Yard is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.