The Skeleton Key

20051 hour 44 minsPG-13English

HorroRated verdict

Worth a Look

2000sSouthern GothicOccultHaunted HouseSlow Burn

Directed by: Iain Softley
Written by: Ehren Kruger
Produced by: Clayton Townsend, Daniel Bobker, Stacey Sher, Michael Shamberg, Iain Softley, Lorenzo P. Lampthwait, Gary Nolin, Bruce Lomet

Collections

Folk Horror Psychological Supernatural Gothic Slow Burn Haunted House

Why it’s HorroRated

The Skeleton Key has a strong sense of place and a slow-burning atmosphere that works better than its reputation suggests. Kate Hudson commits to the role and the Louisiana bayou setting is atmospheric. The twist reframes everything that came before it in interesting ways. A better film than it gets credit for.

Synopsis

Caroline Ellis comes to the Devereaux house to care for a stroke patient and finds the family's resistance to her involvement goes well beyond ordinary privacy. The Louisiana setting and the hoodoo elements give the film a specific atmosphere and Kate Hudson's performance carries the slow build to a conclusion that reframes everything before it.