The Skeleton Key - A rare gem with real chills

When the Japanese film 'The Ring' got re-made for English-speaking audiences it kind of started a trend of horror movies where a lone female slowly investigates a dark, brooding situation, gradually coming to terms with the supernatural element she's uncovered.  2005's 'The Skeleton Key' is definitely in that bracket, yet whereas so many were pretty forgettable clones of 'The Ring,' this one did so much that was right I really do see it as up there with the best horror films of the genre.

Kate Hudson plays a young nurse who becomes the live-in help of an aging old man (John Hurt) who has had a stroke and is bedridden in New Orleans.  His wife (Gina Rowlands) seems more than capable of looking after him, but the help appears begrudgingly welcome.  However, Hudson soon realises that there is more going on with his 'illness' than just a stroke and dark forces are at play.

I can't really say anything else about the plot as it's one of those stories where if you know too much about it you may find yourself inadvertently spoiling what's really going on.  You only get the one chance to watch it without knowing where it's going and I do recommend you go into it knowing as little as possible.  However, I've seen it a fair few times and loved it every time.  That's because it's quite a slow burner.  You gradually learn more and more about what's really happening and if you've seen the film you can enjoy all the little hints and nods to the deeper undertones.

It may be classed as 'horror,' but don't expect any rubbery monsters or computer-generated ghosts chopping teenagers up with chainsaws.  I won't say what the 'supernatural threat' is as - again - it will be a 'spoiler,' but when the film is over and you think about it, you'll realise just how chilling and unsettling the premise really is.

Kate Hudson is great and a perfect lead, but the film would definitely not be as good without the acting stalwarts Gina Rowlands and - the very mute - John Hurt, who conveys plenty of scares barely saying a word all through the film.

If you're looking for an outright 'gorefest' then this won't fit the bill for you.  It's slow, but deliberately so, and slow without being dull.  It gradually drip-feeds you clues and spooky hints of what's happening and you'll definitely want to see where it ends up.

9/10 almost as perfect as The Godfather