The Skeleton Key

A hospice nurse named Caroline Ellis takes a job caring for an elderly man, Ben Devereaux, in his isolated Louisiana plantation home. As she becomes more involved in his life and the mysterious events occurring within the house, Caroline discovers a hidden room and a book of Hoodoo spells. She begins to suspect that her employers, particularly Ben's wife, Violet, are involved in dark magic and have sinister intentions.

The Skeleton Key received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some praised its atmospheric tension, intriguing premise, and Gena Rowlands' performance, others found the plot predictable and the horror elements less effective than the supernatural mystery. Audiences generally responded more favorably, appreciating the suspense and the twist ending.

• Praised for its effective atmosphere and suspenseful build-up.
• Gena Rowlands' performance was frequently highlighted as a standout.
• Criticized by some for a convoluted plot and less impactful horror elements.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's suspenseful nature and the intriguing plot, often citing the twist ending as a strong point. However, some found the pacing uneven and the supernatural elements not always convincing.

The film's iconic house, the "Rosewood" plantation, was actually a composite of several different locations, with the exterior shots filmed at the Belle Hélène plantation in Louisiana, and the interiors created on a soundstage in Los Angeles.