"The Skeleton Key"

Reviewed by Chris Cappola
Starring Kate Hudson, Peter Sarsgaard, John Hurt and Gene Rowlands. Directed by Ian Softley. (2005, Universal)

The main concept throughout 'The Skeleton Key' is about the central heroine needing to "believe" in the concept of hoodoo, a variation of voodoo in order for her to unlock secrets and solve the mystery of a house. It may also be a metaphor for the audience to "believe" such a silly idea because the film doesn't make too much sense even though it does find a way to manipulate the audience into believing such an absurd idea. Logic isn't the film's focus - it's all about atmosphere and using an interesting but debatable device to telling an old-age story of the haunted house genre. These films have been done many times before but instead of creating a ghost or fictional curse or whatever else has been done recently; this is using the concept of voodooism to create its story.

Kate Hudson plays Caroline who takes a job caring for an invalid stroke victim Ben (John Hurt) in a rundown, isolated house in the deep Louisiana swamps. Caroline becomes suspicious of Ben's cold wife Violet (Gena Rowlands) and begins snooping around the dilapidated house taking her to the sinister attic, which harbours many dark secrets leading her into the ominous world of voodoo rituals or hoodoo, which requires the subject to believe in the concept. Of course, Caroline starts out as a sceptic but soon becomes entangled in the idea but what secrets harbour the house? Is Violet trying to murder her husband or she is just weird? What is Ben trying to tell her? What about the house's past? What's the deal with Luke (Peter Sarsgaard), a friendly lawyer? Anyone who knows this genre can suspect some of the mysteries because the film doesn't do much to try and avoid the obvious conclusions but along the way, it does pop up with the surprise twist especially the ending, which is ingenious and very surprising.

'The Skeleton Key' uses many familiar devices to the genre. The haunted, rundown mansion. The dark lighting. The endless rain and storms. The isolated setting. Director Ian Softley uses the Louisiana backdrop to great effect creating an atmosphere that fits perfectly with the story. The deep south isn't always an ideal locale for many movies, but it was a refreshing change to use the locale for the film. Softley knows the thriller genre well and surprisingly the film is devoid of any fancy special effects or trick camerawork that most films of this genre rely on. It's all built on atmosphere. It's not frightening and there are no cheap scares - the tension is built on the mystery. This is a refreshing idea for a film of its genre because its old storytelling relying on the actors and the concept to drive the 'fear factor' and it doesn't cheapen out with odd red herrings and silly detours. That's not to say that the film isn't filled with absurdities and it takes a lot to swallow the concept because after all, voodoo or hoodoo as it wants to be called isn't everyone's cup of tea but 'Skeleton Key' isn't trying to preach on its authenticity but is using the idea to create a story. The screenplay by Ehren Kruger ('The Ring') is well-written and at times it can be smarter than expected with some ingenious ideas but then it does get a little off-track. It may come down to the idea of hoodoo as since if you don't really buy the concept, it may be harder to swallow the idea of its effects and sincerity. This may become too ludicrous for many audiences but if taken at face value, it's a novel idea to explore such a generic story.

The performances from the cast are all very good in what is a four-man show. Kate Hudson has never been better in a role that requires her to undo her image of the romantic comedy princess. It's a tough role and she is in every scene but she is convincing and shows just how good of an actress she can be and continues to get better in every role. Gena Rowlands has been around a long time but hasn't had too many roles to chew on lately and this is a meaty role for the veteran actress and she is having a ball as a total crackpot. John Hurt has a small role but does it well though he hasn't got much to do other than be a pawn in the story. Peter Sarsgaard as usual is terrific and is one of the strongest actors of his generation today and although it's a small role, he does it well and in the law of deduction, it's obvious his character has more to the story than the outset suggests.

'The Skeleton Key' could have been as ridiculous as it looks but finds a way to overcome that. As demonstrated in Denzel Washington's thriller 'Fallen', an odd concept can turn a film into a total car wreck if it becomes too preachy or overly convoluted. But, 'Skeleton' is helped by not taking the idea too seriously or trying to come up with explanations to convince the audience into buying the concept. It also is refreshing to see a film of this genre not rely on flashy camera shots and visual effects to scare the audience and it never cheapens out on telling its story. It also is aided by some great direction and a strong cast led by a strong performance by Kate Hudson making it a genuinely interesting mystery.
out of 10
- Chris Cappola's Reviews

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