Review of The Innkeepers (2011) by Spencer K — 06 Jun 2012

Director Ti West created an indie stir in 2009 with The House of the Devil. An up-and-coming American director, he now returns with this gradually building charmer that relies on gently developing events. Yes the account is deliberately slow - it feels like real life. Modern horror devotees will no doubt have little patience for the snail's pace. But this is a cut above the trashy blood and guts flicks that dot the cinematic landscape.

The actors make this haunted house film notable. Pat Healy and Sara Paxton give compelling performances as Luke and Claire. Healy is sardonic and skeptical. Paxton is quirky and likeable. The two innkeepers form a charismatic pair that we actually enjoy watching. Both are engaging slacker personalities. Paxton is especially winning. She was my favorite part about the whole experience. Also on hand is 80s phenom Kelly McGillis as a former actress/psychic. The moments of humor are surprisingly effective. Luke takes advantage of Claire's already jumpy personality several times and the results are pretty funny. Claire's interactions with McGillis' medium are rather amusing too. The historical hotel is the main focus and West mines terror from the unknown forces that intrigue. The story coasts on charm. The plot is pretty slight and it drifts to a dependable conclusion. Thank goodness for our two leads. They make these situations better than average.