Review of The Innkeepers (2011) by Keenan S — 25 Jun 2014

The Innkeepers is a terrific, old-fashioned ghost story from the director of the stellar, The House Of The Devil. As I adored the director's previous work, I was very excited to watch his next horror flick, especially as it would be one styled after horror flicks of the 70's and 80's. I was also very aware of how most people in general don't like this film because they feel its too slow, too cliched, not scary, and not funny. Oh well, I guess. I love these old-fashioned horror flicks that are popping up out of the woodwork as of late because I miss this style of horror in the wake of so many awful remakes, shitty found footage films, or generic, bargain bin crap.

I found it to be a refreshing and fun little slice of scary fun. Maybe one day it'll get the appreciation it deserves, but for now, let me explain why I enjoyed this film so thoroughly despite so much hatred thrown at it.

The Yankee Pedlar Inn is about to close down and now only two employees - Claire and Luke - are working there for the final weekend. The old inn is suspected of being haunted, so the two are trying to gather evidence of this before it shuts down. Many years earlier, a woman died at the hotel and the innkeepers hid her body for fear of bad business, so it is believed her ghost is still haunting the hotel.

So, night after night, the two comb through the hotel with special equipment for paranormal searches and things are mostly quiet this final weekend outside of an old actress staying at the hotel along with a woman and her son (Who constantly annoys the staff).

One night, however, Claire discovers some new activity when she hears a piano playing through her headphones, though the inn's actual piano is not playing. She goes to investigate and then the piano plays a single key by itself, frightening her. This is only the start of things to come as Claire continues to try and make contact with the dead woman, with some help from the old actress who now works as a healer and knows how to make contact with the spirits. She warns Claire not to go into the basement because of what lurks down there.

On the final night of the inn, after some drinking, Claire and Luke decide to venture down into the basement for some fun and to record some activity...and things go to hell from that point, putting their very lives in danger from coming in contact with forces they shouldn't have.

What I really enjoyed about the film is how it so carefully unfolded its plot. Many abhor this film for moving so slowly before revealing anything, but I didn't mind the very slow pace because I enjoyed how it unfolded and I also enjoyed watching the characters interact with one another. I wish more horror films would take their time before cutting loose because payoff allows for the best kind of horror. I also enjoyed how it gave the characters personalities and made them very interesting to follow as they ventured from the daily grind of their lives and into paranormal horror.

The cast, though small, is also quite good. I especially admired the performance from Sara Paxton as Claire because she was so bubbly and lively. I grew to like her character quite a bit. The other actors are also pretty solid, but she stands out among them for her terrific performance.

In terms of horror, this isn't the kind that will leave you shaking or jumping out of your seat, but it works very well as a dread-inducing creep-fest. It took its time before the suspense and scares popped up, but when those elements do show up, they work very well. However, the film could have used more bite in the horror department, especially when compared to The House Of The Devil which was scary as hell and really exploded with horror after so much build up. Still, it works really well and is very creepy.

The Innkeepers is a terrific and very underrated horror film. It won't replace your favorite paranormal flicks, but for what it is, it's a wonderful love letter to the art of slow burn horror flicks of the 70's and 80's which sorely need to come back more. It's creepy, well acted, well written, and dripping with atmosphere. I loved it.