The Skeleton Key


Synopsis
Healthcare provider Caroline Ellis (Kate Hudson) responds to an ad in her local Louisiana paper to provide hospice care for a dying man on a giant plantation. But taking care of Ben (John Hurt) means more than sponge bathes, it also means trying to save his life (and hers) from the forces within the house.

Observations
Pretty much all the reviewers start their comments the same way – "I was surprised how good this movie was." Well, this reviewer concurs. I’ve felt for a while that Kate Hudson was a better actor than some of her choices may reflect (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) and this role confirms that. This is a gothic horror movie that calls on the creepiness of Hoodoo (old African magic) to set the tone and drive the narrative. Good storytelling and calculated pacing make this movie eerie without gore and crazy CGI effects.

Caroline (Hudson) is a strong female character, willing to risk her life to save another but smart enough to get away when the opportunity arises. It’s her sense of obligation that brings her back to the plantation home, not the bimbo stupidity that so often drives women in thriller flicks.

The ending has a twist that was clever and came off without feeling too contrived.

Be on the lookout for a dance sequence that was completely unnecessary in the vein of the Coca-Cola rave in Matrix Reloaded.

There are some interesting special features. If you only have time for one, chose "Kate’s Ghost Story." Oooooo….. scary!!

Rating:

Amazon's entry for The Skeleton Key