Review of The Skeleton Key (2005) by Andrew C — 03 Jul 2012

Another entry in the long list of supernatural thrillers that were spawned by the success of memorable frightfests like 'The Sixth Sense' and 'The Ring,' the Kate Hudson-starring 'The Skeleton Key' is neither remarkable nor awful.

Set in the dank, depressing bayous of Louisiana, 'Key' is without a doubt more creepy than it is scary. In addition to the setting, aspects that work in the film's favor include the showcasing of local cultural traditions and practices that are rarely featured on-screen and a great performance by veteran actress Gena Rowlands as an unsuspecting old southern housewife.

While Hudson isn't bad as the lead, she does not do anything memorable in 'Key', nor does co-star Peter Sarsgaard as a local lawyer who gives off bad vibes from the first time he appears on-screen.

The film's pacing is as slow as the bacwoods scenery, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing because it provides time before it builds up to the climax. That said, the turning point in 'Key' is not spectacular, and seems to be a letdown to many considering all of the potential it offers at the outset, and is capped off by a bitter ending that leaves few satisifed.

At the end of the day, 'Key' is just another middle of the road horror film that offers the audience just as much as it takes away in terms of minutes spent watching it.