Ready to try her hand at supernatural thrillers, actress Kate Hudson stars in “The Skeleton Key”, a rather creepy little film steeped in the wonderful traditions of voodoo (well, at least it’s close neighbor… hoodoo). Hudson is Caroline Ellis, a caregiver who is hired to take care of the invalid husband (John Hurt) of Violet Devereaux. They live in an old plantation home in the Louisiana Bayou. The husband, Ben, recently suffered a stroke and is completely incapacitated. But Caroline soon learns that all is not well in the Devereaux household as it seems Ben is eager to ‘escape’ its confines. The question is why. Caroline begins to suspect that Violet is up to no good, which is only egged on by the woman’s practice of the magical art of Hoodoo to protect the house, and its inhabitants from harm. While I cannot say that “The Skeleton Key” ranks as a great movie, it is a watchable film that offers up a few decent jumps and scares. But what really sells the movie is the use of the atmosphere that is most prevalent in the bayou areas of New Orleans.

The story is as shrouded in mystery as it is in darkness, and throughout you find yourself questioning every little clue to the truth that is dangled in front of you. The movie offers up a clever twist ending, that some may see coming, while others will not. I wish I was one of the ones who did not, as I would have loved to feel the shock those who won’t will experience.

Universal is releasing the DVD for “The Skeleton Key” this month, and there are a surprising number of excellent extra features thrown in for good measure. Interestingly enough, we hear about a real life ‘ghostly’ experience that was had by Kate Hudson. Whether or not you choose to believe it is up to you, personally I’ve had my share of ghostly experiences so I have that to look back on. There is also a featurette on the practice of Hoodoo, which explains the main differences between it and the more widely recognized forms of Voodoo. Viewers are also treated to a look into how the movie was made, as well as including a standalone feature about the music (which plays a huge part in setting the tone for the film). There is the requisite commentary from director Iain Softley, which I found to be most informative.

You’ll also find several deleted scenes, which are usually not my favorite part of a DVD, but in this case some of the ones that were included I actually thought should have been edited back into the movie. Some of them might have offered some deeper character development. And for those of you who like gumbo, you ought to try the recipe you’ll find here.

“The Skeleton Key” is a decent thriller that is just creepy enough to watch on a late Saturday night with the lights off, just don’t expect an all-out horror flick.

Directed by: Iain Softley
Starring: Kate Hudson, Gena Rowlands, Peter Sarsgaard, Joy Bryant, John Hurt
Extras: Kate Hudson’s Ghost Story, Exploring Voodoo / Hoodoo, Making The Skeleton Key, Blues in the Bayou, Audio Commentary by Director Iain Softley,
Specifications: Widescreen (2.35:1), Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Studio: Universal
Release Date: 11/15/2005
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Violence, Disturbing images, Some Partial Nudity and Thematic Material)
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We'll give Skeleton Key a B-.