The movie follows Caroline Ellis (played by Kate Hudson), a young hospice worker who takes a job caring for an elderly stroke victim named Ben Devereaux (played by John Hurt) at his secluded Louisiana plantation home. The house is rumored to be haunted, and Caroline becomes intrigued by its dark history.
As Caroline explores the mansion, she discovers a hidden room containing various artifacts related to hoodoo, a form of folk magic practiced in the American South. She also meets Violet Devereaux (played by Gena Rowlands), Ben’s wife, who is cold and hostile towards her.
Caroline becomes increasingly suspicious of the Devereauxs and their intentions, particularly after witnessing strange and inexplicable occurrences in the house. She becomes convinced that they are somehow involved in the mysterious disappearance of a young man named Luke (played by Peter Sarsgaard), who had previously worked as a handyman on the property.
In her investigation, Caroline enlists the help of Luke’s friend, Jill (played by Joy Bryant), and together they uncover the truth about the Devereauxs and their connection to hoodoo. They learn that the couple made a deal with a local hoodoo practitioner, Mama Cecile (played by Jeryl Prescott), in exchange for eternal life.
In the climax of the film, Caroline confronts Violet and Mama Cecile, who reveal their true intentions and attempt to possess her body using hoodoo magic. With the help of a protective talisman given to her by Luke before his disappearance, Caroline is able to fight off the evil spirits and escape from the mansion.
In the end, Caroline returns to the house one last time to confront Violet and Mama Cecile, ultimately freeing Ben from their control and allowing his spirit to pass on peacefully. She leaves the mansion behind, grateful to have survived the ordeal and determined to move on with her life.
Overall, “The Skeleton Key” is a chilling and atmospheric horror film that explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the supernatural. With its suspenseful plot, eerie setting, and strong performances, it offers a thrilling and unforgettable cinematic experience for fans of the genre.