The Skeleton Key

2005 horror movie, starring Kate Hudson as a hospice worker who takes a job caring for an invalid at an old house in New Orleans. Things rapidly go downhill as the old man's wife behaves strangely, a locked room in the attic contains evidence of hoodoo rituals, and she finds the poor guy desperately wants to escape...

Contains examples of:


 * And I Must Scream: A nasty potion is used repeatedly, that leaves victims with all the effects of a stroke.
 * The Big Easy
 * Big Fancy House
 * Black Best Friend: Caroline's, who knows about Voodoo but doesn't practice it.
 * Black Magic
 * Clap Your Hands If You Believe.
 * Creepy Housekeeper: Violet.
 * Downer Ending: Read above for.
 * Equivalent Exchange:
 * Fate Worse Than Death:
 * Grand Theft Me: The main goal of.
 * Hugh Mann: Happens at the end. to pass over even for his job. That  has some drawbacks... but like they said, beggars can't be choosers.
 * Human Sacrifice:
 * Hollywood Voodoo: Somewhat averted, as the movie makes the distinction that the goings on are the result of Hoodoo, not Voodoo. Still lots of Black Magic and such to go around, though.
 * House of Broken Mirrors
 * Manipulative Bastard
 * Sort of justified:
 * Personal Effects Reveal: The eponymous key is found in one of the main character dead patient's personal belongings.
 * Room Full of Crazy: Well, an attic full of Hoodoo anyway.
 * Manipulative Bastard
 * Sort of justified:
 * Personal Effects Reveal: The eponymous key is found in one of the main character dead patient's personal belongings.
 * Room Full of Crazy: Well, an attic full of Hoodoo anyway.
 * Room Full of Crazy: Well, an attic full of Hoodoo anyway.