I decided to review The Skeleton Key in honor of the recent passing of Gena Rowlands who is one of the main characters of the film; which first came to theaters back in 2005 from Universal Pictures and was directed by Iain Softley (Curve [2015]) with screenwriter Ehren Kruger (The Ring [2002]). I decided to see it due to the fact that Kate Hudson is in the movie, and I know her for her comedies so it’s different to see her in a role like this. One thing to note, the film deals with Hoodoo (not to be confused with Voodoo) which is folk magic combined with African, European, and Native American rituals.

Kate Hudson, John Hurt and Gena Rowlands

The film opens with a patient dying in a hospital and the nurse Caroline (Kate Hudson (Glass Onion [2022])) who is tired of working for a place that just dumps those who died without a care in the world and so she decides to seek something different and answers an ad to be a hospice care worker. She goes to the southern plantation in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, here we meet a lawyer named Luke (Peter Sarsgaard (Orphan [2009])) who introduces her to who she will be taking care of. Violet (Gena Rowlands) disapproves of an intruder however Luke convinces her to give it a chance and so we now see Ben (John Hurt (Alien [1979])) who just had a stroke that happened in the attic. Ben doesn’t speak but you can tell wants to try and communicate with Caroline. Now that Caroline is settling in, Violet gives her a skeleton key that is supposed to open any door in the house which it does all except for the attic. Soon she finds her way in the attic and finds some really creepy items including a record “The Conjure Sacrifice” and a bunch of old pictures which include the original plantation owners, and their servants Papa Justify and Mama Cecile. we learn about the dark past of the house and the scary Hoodoo that is done and Caroline thinks that Ben is in danger especially when she helps him with a ritual that will help him talk but Violent finds out and puts a stop to it. Caroline tries to escape with Ben but is locked in as there’s a padlock on the gate. It turns out that Luke isn’t who he says he is, well he’s a lawyer but he’s really helping Violet with her wicked ways. Needless to say, the Hoodoo comes into factor and Caroline thinks she knows how to keep herself safe. Before going back into the attic she calls her roommate Jill (Joy Bryant) and says she needs help, and then goes to the attic to perform the Hoodoo however it’s not what she think it is. I’m not going to elaborate on what happens for those who haven’t seen it, but it may shock some and others may have guessed it and you’ll figure out what really happened to Ben (who never speaks in the movie) and what will happen to Caroline.

Peter Sarsgaard

The film is a different take on what can happen when involving ancient rituals whether it’s Hoodoo or Voodoo. There’s a mysterious ending to the movie that you will either get right away or if you’re not familiar with Hoodoo you’ll be surprised and for me it was the latter. It was nice seeing how Kate Hudson’s Caroline evolved through the movie and to the end. It’s recommended for those who like this kind of film but not for children.

Kate Hudson

TAGLINES:

• It can open any door.
• You will believe.
• Fearing is believing.

IMDb Rating; 6.5/10

3C Rating: 6.5/10