The Skeleton Key (2005) is a good horror/suspense movie. It maintains the suspense by sustaining the rate of discovery and slowly doling out more and more information as the film goes along. Then when the time comes to reveal almost everything, it uses another technique to maintain the suspense: enough is hinted for the audience to know who the intended victim is, but the victim doesn't know or get it yet. Then when the victim realises it, there is a short chase or struggle sequence and then comes the psychologically horrifying ending.

The ending and its surprise twist is "uncommercial." It might not go down with everyone, but it's this ending that makes the film truly horrifying.

The premise, dabbling with the occult (hoodoo in this case) is dangerous regardless of whether you believe in it or not. Because as you dwell in it, even from an academic standpoint like with the protoganist, Caroline (Kate Hudson), you will start to believe in it whether you want to or not.

And this point has some basis to it. In cognitive psychology research, it has been shown that when people are frequently exposed to a stimulus, it gains acceptance. If the stimulus is picture of someone, in the end, people find that picture more likeable, more attractive than at the start. An idea that is repeatedly presented becomes more acceptable, seems more reasonable and even deemed true.

There are some plot ambiguities that you become aware of at the end but these will have to be dealt with in the analysis section.

The Skeleton Key is a fine example of psychological horror. You have been warned.

Originally posted at The 10 of Clubs's Movie Blog. The analysis section (spoiler alert) can be found there. ED/PUB:LM