Review of The Skeleton Key (2005) by Melvin W — 23 Jul 2011

Violet Devereaux: We've been waiting for you, Caroline. .

"You Will Believe".

The Skeleton Key is a pretty creepy and completely atmospheric supernatural thriller. I wouldn't say it is all that scary, but it definitely has it's moments. One thing it always is though; is interesting. The movie has a really cool and interesting premise. .

Caroline takes a job as a hospice worker in the deep south, where she isn't from. She's from New Jersey; The Garden State. An old married couple require her services. One of them, Ben, just had a stroke and can't move or talk. The other, Violet, is a grieving wife who is about to lose her husband. Another character who Caroline meets is the couples lawyer, Luke. He's a pretty friendly guy who seems to take an interest in Caroline. The story really starts when Caroline notices some weird things in the house, such as a Hoodoo room. Also, there are no mirrors in the house and Violet will not allow her to put one up.The story takes some unexpected twists and turns as it comes to a pretty cool and satisfying conclusion in my book. .

It is a movie that I think most will either love or hate and from the reviews it seems that way. I really love this movie though. It has a really fun premise and remains completely engrossing the entire time. The cast is pretty good too. I always like Peter Saarsgard and he's pretty good here, with his down South accent. Kate Hudson is passable in the lead role. But Gena Rowlands really steals the show as Violet and John Hurt gives a pretty good performance as a man that doesn't even talk, except for one exception. .

What really wins this movie over for me is the atmosphere. The setting is in a old creepy looking house in the swamps of Louisiana. The mood throughout the whole movie is heavy and dark and justifiably so. This may not crate new standards for the thriller or horror genres, but it did manage to be a thoroughly enjoyable ghost story.