User reviews

An abnormally smart and classy ghost thriller from that time period. Great performances by Kate Hudson and Gena Rowlands, spooky New Orleans atmosphere, and some great twists, too. If it has any flaws, it's that it's never really scary. Amusing and suspenseful, yes, but never really leap out of your seat or clutch your arm rest terrifying, but maybe it doesn't have to be since it at least presents us an interesting story and tells it well.

Part of the success of this type of movie is setting up and making sure its resolution lives up to its expectations. I must say that in this film everything seems to work, and yet... I'm not sure what spooked more: its ending or the nature of its ending.

The film deals with the adventures of a young care worker in the middle of Louisiana. The atmospheric surroundings, the haunting score, beautiful, spooky photography, and some very good acting by Rowlands and Kate Hudson raise the bar for upcoming "horror films". We're glued to the screen for nearly two hours, as things become more mysterious and intriguing. A few times we're treated to a jolt and a revelation, but what closes the film is bound to ruffle a few feathers.

Above all, this is a very good movie, with a script that doesn't cheat anyone and doesn't rely on silly gimmicks. Those factors should portend good tidings for its success in its original release, but it will probably become a classic of its kind. The heroine in distress manages to be smarter than the usual stereotype. She wants to explore the surroundings and solve the problem. The problem is she has no idea how bad the situation might be.

Gena Rowlands provides her character with nuances rarely seen in this type of film. She is a strange character and hooks up the audience from the very beginning. There is no really an archetype for what Rowlands brings to life. A few might find the previous statement questionable, but if you look closely to the development of her character, it is almost an original.

Kate Hudson makes a very strong impression in this film. She goes beyond the pretty actress to an accomplished performer who matches up to Rowland's intensity. She navigates the film with an ease rarely seen in today's roster of plastic pre-packaged pseudo celebrities. It is refreshing to see an actress make you care for the character that has so often been portrayed as an offensive stereotype. There no gratitude's screaming scenes here. The film reminds me of "The Others", a movie with substance and intelligence.

This is a film that I will highly recommend to my friends, particularly because I want to hear what they have to say about that ending.

When the Japanese film 'The Ring' got re-made for English-speaking audiences it kind of started a trend of horror movies where a lone female slowly investigates a dark, brooding situation, gradually coming to terms with the supernatural element she's uncovered. 2005's 'The Skeleton Key' is definitely in that bracket, yet whereas so many were pretty forgettable clones of 'The Ring,' this one did so much that was right I really do see it as up there with the best horror films of the genre.

Kate Hudson plays a young nurse who becomes the live-in help of an aging old man (John Hurt) who has had a stroke and is bedridden in New Orleans. His wife (Gina Rowlands) seems more than capable of looking after him, but the help appears begrudgingly welcome. However, Hudson soon realises that there is more going on with his 'illness' than just a stroke and dark forces are at play.

I can't really say anything else about the plot as it's one of those stories where if you know too much about it you may find yourself inadvertently spoiling what's really going on. You only get the one chance to watch it without knowing where it's going and I do recommend you go into it knowing as little as possible. However, I've seen it a fair few times and loved it every time. That's because it's quite a slow burner. You gradually learn more and more about what's really happening and if you've seen the film you can enjoy all the little hints and nods to the deeper undertones.

It may be classed as 'horror,' but don't expect any rubbery monsters or computer-generated ghosts chopping teenagers up with chainsaws. I won't say what the 'supernatural threat' is as - again - it will be a 'spoiler,' but when the film is over and you think about it, you'll realise just how chilling and unsettling the premise really is.

Kate Hudson is great and a perfect lead, but the film would definitely not be as good without the acting stalwarts Gina Rowlands and - the very mute - John Hurt, who conveys plenty of scares barely saying a word all through the film.

If you're looking for an outright 'gorefest' then this won't fit the bill for you. It's slow, but deliberately so, and slow without being dull. It gradually drip-feeds you clues and spooky hints of what's happening and you'll definitely want to see where it ends up.

I feel this film is quite underrated. If you can buy into the supernatural theme I think it's worth watching. I bought what they were selling in this fantasy and Kate Hudson was really an unexpected surprise. It just worked for me. It's really one of the better films in this category that's usually filled with junk. If you're ok with this style of film and you don't require a cheesy happy everything's-hunkey-dorey ending, I think you'll like it.

Review after review keeps saying, "set in New Orleans" IT IS NOT! Terrebonne Parish is NOT New Orleans! This movie had a unique ending, the first time I saw it, it holds your attention and has some decent actors. All those panning Kate Hudson, must just be jealous! She was great here! As for the geography, I live IN Atlanta, but every person in every place within 50 miles of here tells others they live "in Atlanta" I guess the same applies to people living around NOLA!

Watch this movie, you will be satisfied with it and surprised!

There are movies which start bizzare, pace bizzare and end a cliffhanger. This one ended perfectly and the whole reason of bizarreness was revealed with utmost satisfaction. To name another movie with last minute climax is Basic of John Travolta and Samuel Jackson.

Would love watching movies like these. 9 stars from my side.

If you like old-school creepy movies in the Hitchcock vein, you will like The Skeleton Key. I suspect a lot of naysayers prefer shallow slasher horror, which this is decidedly not. Regardless, it certainly deserves better ratings.

I just watched it again for the second time, after first seeing it about 10 years ago. I had forgotten the twist (yes, of course, there's a twist). I only remembered that I found the ending surprising and satisfying the first time. Well, sure enough, same response the second time!

As I wrote in the title of this review, it requires engaging you brain. Even after the movie ends you need to retrace your steps. Gotta' love a movie that makes you think about what happened, not merely what is happening as you see it, to realize the entirety of the plot. I don't want include spoilers. Just remember to think back in time to the beginnings of the revealed story (not the beginning of the movie). It's easy to miss one of the greater tragedies depicted because it is not spelled out, merely implied by the big reveal at the end.

VGS fans will get that, but for everyone else I recommend just checking out this movie. I rented The Skeleton Key mostly because for the last few months I have been trying to watch every movie that comes out. Netflix has provided me with the opportunity of just adding all the new movies to my queue and not having to try and remember all of the movies that I've missed, which I always did before, given the constant barrage of new releases. I know I'll never catch up (my Netflix queue is approaching the 300 mark), but it's at times like this that I'm glad that I try to watch all of the movies that come out (Hellraiser 8 left me with a different sentiment entirely).

One of the first things that struck me about The Skeleton Key was that it is a great horror movie to take a date to see. It focuses on creating a solid story and building tension rather than blood and gore, which with rare exceptions is how the best horror films are made anyway.

Kate Hudson plays Caroline, an aspiring nurse who quits her job at a hospital because of their intolerable lack of concern over deaths, she doesn't feel right about working at a hospital that sees their patients as so much of a business and has little humane interest in them. When a patient passes away and is whisked away with the trash she decides she's had enough and starts combing the classifieds for something a little more personal.

She finds a job as a live-in caregiver for a woman and her husband, who has suffered a massive stroke that affected both sides of his body, and it's not long before we learn that Caroline herself lost her father, so suddenly, in fact, that she was unable to help care for him at the end of his life, hence her overwhelming determination to provide the best care possible.

Caroline is given a skeleton key that will open every door in the house, but when she finds one door hidden in the attic that the key doesn't open, obviously it takes on the most intrigue of all of the rooms in the house.

There is a lot of stuff about voodoo and cults in the movie, and while it is really the backbone of the film it is not what makes it good. The movie is good because it has history behind it. It takes its time in getting started, but that's important because it takes the time necessary to tell the story behind what goes on in the movie. And probably most importantly, in my opinion, is that the movie was filmed on an old plantation house in Louisiana that actually housed well over a hundred slaves, which not only adds intrigue but relevance as well.

There's a point about three quarters of the way through the movie that it seems that it's going to pan out in a pretty predictable way, but there's a great twist near the end that, while it is certainly a turn away from what may have been expected, it also has the enviable quality of giving the impression that the movie had to go that way all along, which is one of the first lessons I learned about storytelling back in college, that a good story cannot be predictable, yet the ending has to seem perfectly natural, that it could only have ended the way it did. And while this movie could certainly have ended in other ways, it wouldn't have been as good as it is if it had ended any other way.

Also make sure to check out the surprising number of extra features on the DVD, particularly John Hurt's story and the story of the house in which the movie was filmed.

This is one movie that is a must see for all Hitchcock fans. I was skeptical of seeing this movie especially after my "The Cave" experience. But this one turned out to be a rocker. I rushed out to the DVD shop to buy this one. I'm holding it as I'm typing.

Although the movie starts off pretty slowly and might be boring. And the movie is based on a topic which is pretty non interesting also (Hoodoo worship). But it doesn't matter, cos this is one hell of a movie. True it's not true horror, don't expect something form the likes of Psycho, but its somewhat of a modified horror movie, but the real thing to watch out for is the twist at the end. That will leave you completely baffled. I nearly dropped out of my chair when I saw the ending. This is a masterpiece of a movie. I'm not gonna bore you by the plot, because if I do, I'll need to put in a spoiler warning and also give you info about hoodoo, which I think you should know first hand by watching the movie.

I don't know why it's rated just 6.1, cos it's worth a hell lot more, probably one of the best critically acclaimed movie of the year. The camera work is superb, the score is magnificent, fits each and every scene. Kate Hudson gives a wonderful performance as the young nurse. It's her all the way in the movie. Overall it's got all the makings of a classic.

I reckon the only reason it didn't hit box office glory is because it is based on such an obscure topic as hoodoo. Otherwise I don't find any reason why people shouldn't watch this movie.. 9/10 for me..

I remember how I wanted to see it because of Kate Hudson and it did not expect it to be soooooo good. Excellent storyline, it is so rare to see such good scary movie. This is not the movie when you will know what is going to happen next. I wish there was a part 2. Love the part where she is in the car on the bridge and that music hits perfectly the scene. Ahhh. Wish I could see it for the first time again.

An extremely welcome suspense thriller from a time when audiences loved their PG-13 films (and they made lots of money). This film has strong performances from both the younger and the older cast and despite some questionable story elements, the film still holds up well due to the amazing cinematography and music score for the film. It's a rare film where the location and atmosphere add so much to the overall enjoyment of the film.

If you like "down south" horror and gothic films then this film will be just right for you. It also deals in religious ideas and faith better that most other similar films.

The Skeleton Key, pretty much rejuvenated a soporific genre that was running low on ideas.This is the right non-gore horror/thriller that refreshed my opinion that American horror pictures are mostly low budget b-movies with ill-written scripts and terrible acting. The Skeleton key? so what the hell is that?

Although the title itself could not reflect its idea or theme genuinely, it's really a must see movie for those who favors styles like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre or one of such type, and apparently, its superior to all its peers.

Developing in a slow pace but still powers that ability to keep its audience away from drop out from its elaborately crafted tricky plot is the weirdest part of this weird movie.

For if u are one of those who have an antipathy to talking about superstition or supernatural stuff ,I advise you stop here, take a shower right now and get to ur bed ASAP, otherwise this picture could be the best excuse for you to stay up tonight.

Superstition or supernatural stuff are not abused here like that in Silent Hill, but employed ingeniously connecting, pulling and finally collecting threads in a twisting drama way.

Plus, Kate Hudson made an awesome performance in the movie as protagonist, and the sound effects and background music both hit their respective marks.

Not want to talk more on the plot, better for you known less before watching it.

So please stop proving yourself a stubborn for hesitating enjoying it!

Seeing this movie for the first time, and I know it's a big hit! Kate Hudson(Goldie Hawn's Daughter) does a spectacular performance as a nurse with a conscience, for the sick. She plays Caroline Ellis, a Jersey girl in New Orleans who goes to this house with some serious dark secrets. Gena Rowlands plays Violet, a peculiarly strange woman with some secrets of her own. John Hurt plays Ben, a stroke victim who lives in fear of his wife. The intensity of this movie makes fun to watch, not too violent, nor boring in every way. Kate Hudson is indeed the spitting image of her mom, Goldie. Imagine if Goldie did this movie herself. The magic Hoodoo, it's really intriguing for those who believe it. For her role as Carrie, Katie is indeed no-nonsense. After meeting the woman in the hoodoo shop, the woman there gives her some strong points that makes it very helpful to the case. The red brick dust, who would have thought of that? And Gena Rowlands still has the spunk after all the movies she has done. This movie is a real keeper, and it's highly recommendable for all. Rating 4 out of 5 stars.

Normally I wouldn't bother writing a review for a horror movie. They're not really my type, except very few. This movie is one of them. I was thinking it's going to be the usual, predictable, bad acting, stupid story movie. Especially 'cause of the title which really got me thinking at graveyards and the like. However, I was in for a big surprise.

First of all, the acting is pretty far from bad… as in the main characters are acting quite well and the rest is well within acceptable limits. The story… not what you would expect from a horror movie… actually quite far from it, since I was predicting a lot of things that turned out to be wrong. Predictability is a bad defect for a movie. If the movie is really good, it can make up for it. This is not the case with The Skeleton Key which I find almost totally not predictable. Maybe you will be able to predict more, but I certainly didn't see lot of things coming! At the "scare" level, there aren't too many scenes to make you jump from your chair, but the general atmosphere is spooky enough and the unpredictability plus suspense elements will hold you well 'till the movie ends. I wasn't bored at all while watching it. I rate it a 9 out of 10 because I take into consideration it's horror movie class, and in that class it's a really good one. Forget about "The Ring" and stuff like that, this one is definitely the better of 90% of "the horrors" out there… since the 9.

Finally, after doing nothing, but romantic comedies since her Oscar nominated role in "Almost Famous". She shows her dramatic chops as Carolyn, a nurse who lives in New Orleans. She leaves a medical clinic after seeing how the faculty treated its patients after they died decides to leave and look for a job on a help wanted ad. In the middle of the swamps lies a house owned by the Devereaux's (Gena Rowlands and John Hurt) John is paralyzed from a supposed stroke. As Carolyn settles in at the house, she is giving a skeleton key, which can open every door in the house. After hearing noises and an incident. She finds evidence that the house has more to it than what Mrs. Devereaux is telling them.

The film is very well made and at times very scary. However, I didn't understand the plot very well, even though, it was well established. Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands, John Hurt, and Peter Sarsgaard give really good performances. The ending, however, was what threw me off and I really hate how endings end like that. Find out for yourself about what happen. Overall, very good movie, and Kate Hudson, better stay with drama's, cause as far as I know this grossed better than "Raising Helen", "Alex and Emma", and "The Four Feathers".

9/10

Creepy, interesting, intriguing, suspenseful (about 3 viewings)

There are three kinds of endings in mystery stories.

1. You can see the ending coming already in the first fifteen minutes of the movie

2. You CANNOT see the ending coming - but this is because the ending is so far-fetched and contrived that you become very disappointed with the whole movie

3. You cannot see the ending coming - but when it comes you hit yourself on your forehead and cry out: "how COULD I not see this for myself..?"

The third kind of ending is very unusual, but here in "Skeleton Key" you have it. Enjoy..!

There are also some very exciting and scary scenes before the ending, by the way.

Also, I liked the (nowadays) unusual setting of the movie: the American South, a big mansion from the time when the rich Southerners were still slave-owners, the atmosphere of decay and past glory, the swamps all around, threatening to take over... and the superstition still very close to the surface.

This movie was different than the typical gore filled thrillers we are used to seeing in 2004 & 2005. It certainly lived up to it's hype as a psychological thriller that will get into your head. It kept you wondering from start to finish. Kate Hudson was actually likable in this movie. She played a good, natural part as a caretaker. Gena Rowlands was also very believable as an old evil woman. Her part was almost as spooky as Kathy Bates in misery.This is one of the first movies of 2005 that is actually worth seeing. If you like movies with a plot that keeps you guessing and characters who keep you wondering the whole movie, this is for you. Another strong reason to see the movie is that even up to to the last second you are still in for a roller-coaster of a ride.

I remember watching the trailer for this movie and just wanting to see it because I like that kind of movies. I knew I was gonna like it, I didn't know I was gonna like it so much... The best of the film for me is Kate Hudson's performance: I'm not a follower of her movies but in this particular one she is great and delivers an intense interpretation that I still love to watch. The atmosphere is good too. It made me feel like I was there and still does. The story is great and mysterious. Very tensional too (at least for the main character, ha ha) and haunting as it explores the world of hoo-doo world (whatever it is spelled). We see the best of the movie at the end: the great... closing? And the most intense performance of Kate. Worthy to watch. I still love this movie.

Although not the best movie I've ever seen, it was pretty great. I was told about the plot by a co- worker of mine, the plot itself completely sparked my interest. So after looking around for the movie, I found it on Netflix. I watched it and was instantly tangled into the story. I am even a bigger fan of Kate Hudson now. I haven't seen much of her in horror movies, and she did quite well. I looked into the film, like I always do before watching a movie, and the rating was about a 6 on most sites. This drew me away from the flick more than anything. I couldn't tell whether people didn't like the plot, or the way it was put together. I would give this movie at least a 9 for a rating. It was a very good movie but like most movies, things could have been done better. I was overall pleased with this movie and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys creepy, magical, thrillers. And by magic I don't mean unicorns and mermaids! Although those are always fun. :)