For much of its runtime, “The Skeleton Key” appears to follow a typical supernatural thriller formula. The story seems straightforward, with its eerie atmosphere and familiar scares that align with genre expectations.
However, as the narrative approaches its conclusion, an unexpected twist reframes everything in a chilling way, compelling viewers to reconsider all the subtle hints scattered throughout the plot.
A polished Southern Gothic aesthetic shapes the eerie world of The Skeleton Key (Photo: The Skeleton Key/Universal Pictures)Although the film has garnered a dedicated following, it’s challenging to determine whether screenwriter Ehren Kruger (“Scream 3,” “The Ring”) and director Iain Softley intended this twist as a masterstroke or if it points to flawed storytelling.
It raises the question: does the story’s value hinge too heavily on a last-minute revelation, leaving much of its earlier progression feeling unremarkable?
Throughout most of its duration, “The Skeleton Key” embraces a polished take on Southern Gothic themes. Its aesthetic blends a timeless quality with elements that may feel overly familiar or borrowed from other works.
Released during a time when horror films were experiencing a resurgence, it struggled to stand out amidst the competition, leaving it overlooked by many.
