The Skeleton Key (2005)

Steeped in rain, humidity, and eerie bayou atmosphere, The Skeleton Key is an entertaining supernatural thriller that makes excellent use of its Louisiana locations. New Orleans and the rural environs of Terrebonne Parish are crucial in setting up the creepy circumstances that find compassionate caregiver Caroline Ellis (Kate Hudson) newly employed at the backwater plantation home of Violet (Gena Rowlands) and her invalid husband Ben (John Hurt), who's been rendered mute and seemingly helpless by a recent stroke. The place is rife with mystery, shrouded in the secrets of a suspicious past and, under Violet's stern supervision, plagued by superstition involving the use of Hoodoo magic spells (not to be confused with Voodoo, as explored in the similarly suspenseful Angel Heart) intended to protect the house from harm. But Caroline soon discovers the source of the mystery, and why Ben (who can barely utter a word) is so desperate to escape his seemingly comfortable domesticity. There are a few loopholes in the screenplay by prolific horror writer Ehren Kruger (The Ring and The Brothers Grimm), but director Iain Softley (Wings of the Dove) expertly emphasizes the edgy air of mystery, pushing some effective shocks while encouraging fine work from Hudson, Peter Sarsgaard (as Violet's lawyer) and especially Rowlands, who's genuinely disturbing as Skeleton Key nears a twist ending that's undeniably effective. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

NO DUMB BLONDE HERE-------

I have been a movie buff for many years, and I LOVE a mystery! This movie held my interest from start---to finish. And the "twist" at the end was just too fabulous. Kate Hudson is following close in her Mom's footsteps, and is becoming more than just a "pretty" face. She has run the gamut from comedy to drama, and she's just getting started. She will be around for a very long time. October 24, 2008

A Horror Film With Merit, And No Blood needed!

Dismiss those BLOOD BATHS,Friday the 13th - From Crystal Lake to Manhattan (8 Movies) , A Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween,and Child's Play 3's, for a different source of terror! This suspenseful tale, keeps viewers wondering what's bound to happen next, to a nosy caretaker? Her inexperience leads her into a spiral of trouble, where getting out is no longer an option! May 17, 2008

a suspenseful film

The Skeleton Key tells of a young woman who, in caring for an elderly man in an isolated house in the southern swamps,begins to discover disturbing
truths about the man's wife. Fearing for the man's safety, she investigates further and finds herself drawn into a world of superstition and hoodoo beliefs. While slow in spots, the story builds to an exciting and startling climax May 8, 2008

Toys In The Attic...

THE SKELETON KEY reminds me of those old, classic creepers like BURNT OFFERINGS, THE LEGACY, THE SENTINEL, etc. It has that heavy sense of building dread and doom going on. Kate Hudson is Caroline, the young innocent brought into circumstances beyond her control. She goes to work in the isolated home of Violet (Gena Rowlands) and her paralyzed husband (John Hurt). All is somewhat normal, until Caroline finds a hidden door in the attic. That's when the weirdness begins! Caroline begins to suspect that something is wrong, but her rational mind won't let her accept what she fears might be happening. Her suspicions lead her deeper into the personal lives and history of the former residents of the old manor. The rest is a spooky mystery involving murder, greed, and a supernatural plot that brings the tale to it's dark, twisty grand finalé. I did watch the deleted scenes and must say that they actually do add something to the story. I wish they hadn't been removed in the first place... May 8, 2008

Loved it

I'm very into New Orleans and the history of it, I have many books, movies, etc on Voodoo, Hoodoo, slavery, etc.. of the south. I enjoyed this movie very much, just watched again this past weekend. February 22, 2008

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