Movie Review: The Skeleton Key
Published August 15, 2005
The cast is surprisingly deep and just as effective. Kate Hudson stars as Caroline, she has such a charismatic presence on the screen. Plus it is nice seeing her in something other than the romantic comedies that she has specialized in the past few years. Her chemistry is nothing short of convincing in her interactions with the rest of the cast, most notably Gena Rowlands. Gena Rowlands plays Violet, a woman clinging to her way of life and very hesitant to let anyone else in, for fear of what may happen. She is weary, protective, and slightly mysterious and creepy, a nice mix for the matriarch of the house. John Hurt gives a quiet performance marked with bursts of violent fear. Finally we have Peter Sarsgaard as Luke, a lawyer sympathetic to our heroine's problems. His performance is also very good, he has quietly been putting together a string of good performances and has a bright future.
Iain Softley has done a wonderful job of giving us a slow burn of suspense. Each step timed nicely, eliciting the needed performances from the stars, and letting loose as the finale comes into focus. The cinematography is also rather striking, well shot through the bayou. The big house, the gnarled trees, all the creaks and groans, all great at building atmosphere.
Like I said, this is not a perfect film, but it is effective at what it sets out to do. There are inconsistencies, most notably the way the rain stops and starts, as if on command. Plus the story attempt s to be too clever for its own good. It adds a few too many layers to really bring us to a satisfying conclusion. The clichés are apparent throughout, and not really worth getting into here, you will see them.
Bottomline. This was a fun movie, better than I had expected it to be. It had a good deal of suspense, some good performances, and plenty of atmosphere. I have no problem recommending this.
Recommended.
Christopher Beaumont spends much of his time writing about entertainment when he isn't sitting in a movie theater. He is known around the office as the "Movie Guy" and is always ready to talk about his favorite form of entertainment and offer up recommendations. Interests include science fiction, horror, and metal music. His writings can be found at Draven99's Musings and Draven99's Media Center. 
- Movie Review: The Skeleton Key
- Published: August 15, 2005
- Type: Review
- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Review, Video: Suspense and Mystery, Video: Thriller
- Writer: Chris Beaumont
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- Chris Beaumont's personal site
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Comments on this articleComments
I thought this was a great movie. It gives us something new in the theater. The movie WAS clever. After you put all of the pieces together, you will be even more impressed with what you have just seen
I am a 54 yr old mom. Horror movies or thrillers, whathave you, is not my genre of movies. My 21 and 26 yr.old daughters saw "The Skeleton Key", and told me entire story. Which I don't mind in the least.
Since I have been forewarned, I think I will really like to see this movie.
But with someone.. and as long as someone is in the house with me a few days afterwards. Sounds like a goood premise. Wish me luck!!!
Good luck, Yvonne! It is a surprisingly good film, and it is nice to see a suspense film that doesn't rely on the jump scare. Perfect for those who are not veterans of the genre, as an introduction.
Be sure to let us know what you think!
I haven't seen this movie yet, but it's a GREAT movie. The ending is so surprising. I, personally loved it. I advise everyone to watch it. It is a GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GREAT GGGGGGRRRRRRREEEEEEAAAAAAATTTTTTTTT!!!
movie! -Tyler Wyatt-
Funny thing to say if you haven't seen it yet....
I seen it n it was great I thought, rele scray and a super awsum flick 2 see with ur b/f OR g/f... BUT I didn't really get the ending... I need help... plz explain!!!...
The spell was performed on Luke at some point in the past by Violet's husband. Throughout the film, "Luke" is actually Justify in Luke's body.
Hey there everyone... I just watched this film but im still a little confused about the ending...i under stand that Justify was in the lawyers body and that Cecile was in the Old womens body...but whats up with the mirrors... and why did they see ghosts... can someone explain how they all tied into each other ? Thanks.
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I actually enjoyed this movie. The ending is unlike I expected.......