Kate Hudson stars in this eerie thriller about a young woman who accepts a job as a live in nurse, only to discover that supernatural mumbo jumbo may have been the cause of her patient’s illness.
From the outset it became evident that this film’s main focus was it’s story, and it made a refreshing change to watch a well crafted screenplay unfold, as we were allowed the chance to get to know the protagonists without an overabundance of special effects sequences and booming sound design.
This subtle southern chiller keeps you guessing for the entire duration, and it’s largely down to its talented and extremely capable cast.
Kate Hudson was a joy to watch as the smart, sexy and sensitive heroine and she really played well against Gena Rowlands. The supporting players were similarly well cast and managed to make fine impressions in their significantly reduced screen time.
The New Orleans setting made the film visually interesting and a joy to look at, as we were treated to scenic views one does not see all too often.
The location played a very important part in the overall effect of the movie, and credit must go to the production designers, as the house managed to hold it’s own against a strong ensemble of characters.
It made for a nice change of pace to see a story unfold through good old fashioned dialogue, and I was also pleased to hear that the score was relatively subtle throughout, allowing the songs to stand out and represent the setting.
In the end, the film managed to add something to an already existing sub genre, and left me satisfied thanks to an ending that will no doubt infuriate many, as it neglects to take the easy way out.
OVERALL SUMMARY
In conclusion, The Skeleton Key is a smart chiller and credit must go to Ehren Kruger for creating a work which uses its characters to tell a story rather than technology.
