Cinemuse | 'The Skeleton Key' (2005)
A reflection for Macabre Monday.
The last time I watched The Skeleton Key I was a sophomore in high school, not nearly prepared for watching horror movies as I am today, and resplendently ignorant of American folk religions and spiritualities. I am happy to report that none of these things stand true as of this moment, just in case you were wondering.
I am gracefully stumbling into my 30’s, thank you very much.
I adore watching horror.
I am humbly educating myself about all of the wonderful flavors of folk-based traditions flourishing in this country.
And after this second viewing, I can honestly say that I look forward to re-watching this mid-2000’s darling of a enchanting movie again.
Overview
Briefly, The Skeleton Key follows Kate Hudson’s character, Caroline, through the vivacious streets of New Orleans to the moody swamps of Terrebonne Parish as she answers a calling to work as a caregiver for the helpless and forgotten. Caroline gets hired as a home health aide by an elderly woman to care for her frail post-stroke husband. Caroline moves in with them and is granted full-access to all the rooms in the house via a skeleton key.
Caroline is exactly who you think she is, and she prides herself on that fact. Everyone and everything else? Not so much.
Dressed exactly as I was hoping to in 2005, screen printed tees and layered bracelets and the such, she’s as hardboiled and defiant as Hudson can get. But she is, admittedly, savvy. Unfortunately, the forces she encounters at Terrebonne Parish might be savvier. Many twists and turns later, and after someone lit a crap ton of votive candles, we learn the horrific truth.
No spoilers here, so do yourself a favor and head on over to YouTube where you can watch it for free at this time.
Film Appreciation
Someone on the set of The Skeleton Key clearly read a book or hired a very reliable consultant.
I absolutely loved the small touches and nods, the respectful ones of course, to the spiritual practice of hoodoo.
And I think it’s safe to say that what is depicted on the screen was intended to portray hoodoo rather than another form of Caribbean-based religion or spirituality. The reason I think this is because the two prominent characters of Papa Justify and Mama Cecile are repeatedly referred to as “conjurers” and “rootworkers.” Being mostly concerned with spirits and spiritual attacks, conjurers all over the world seek to bring peace and balance.
The conjuring shop in the movie even looks like what most folk medicine shops look like, at least the ones I have visited! Someone painstakingly took the time to breath life into these film sets.
— But this is Hollywood we’re talking about, so dramatics inevitably ensue for Caroline and the rest of the cast. A fantastic troupe of actors by the way! The cast is stacked. And the supporting characters are very memorable, which I always appreciate.
Also, I will watch anything with John Hurt, RIP.
TL;DR
Kate Hudson is given a skeleton key that opens doors to worlds she never thought she would find — and what she finds is way above her pay grade.
It’s not a perfect film, but there’s a lot to like.
And while I respectfully disagree with the old adage, “It only works if you believe in it,” that gets repeated over and over again throughout the film, I can appreciate what it does for the story. It’s a good story!
My favorite things about this movie:
The incredible attention to detail when it comes to folk religion or conjuring traditions.
The music and the spell-binding use of music.
How the film juxtaposes the worlds of Western healthcare and blended folk medicine.
John Hurt. But I think you could’ve guessed that.
*Warning: there is a lynching scene which understandably is disturbing.
Well, this one is for you, my fellow Macabre Monday devotees! I hope you enjoyed something a little different from me. So, I’m wondering: what do you think about the use of “It only works if you believe in it” in this movie? Or in any other horror movie? Does it hold water in your opinion? Is it too easy of an explanation for you? Let me know in the comments!
A flourish to the rest of The Macabre Monday Team:
andBe sure to check out the rest of the bewitching crew:
Hi! New to Substack, but was referred to ask about your Macabre Mondays. I've been writing on Medium, and enjoy writing BDSM Erotic Horror, in addition to other genres. Zatanna Xtra Dark.
This movie made me appreciate the art of suspense giving the perfect amount of horror and thrills I want without ANY of the gore that many films tend to run to for that effect. It's not needed! I love this movie. I watch it once a year. It actually relaxes me now when I watch it.
Other movies that I feel similarly about are Hide and Seek (Dakota Fanning and Robert Dinero are great), oh and 1408 (John Cusack). Have you seen those?