INNKEEPERS, THE

Spoiler alert for those who want to enter this film blindly - The Innkeepers is a slow burner. I've had customers tell me that they switched the movie off after 30 minutes but if you haven't seen it I would suggest you preserver with it for longer. The first half is misleading, almost like a red herring. Not a lot happens as two staff members tend to the front desk of an old hotel on it's final weekend before closing forever. Stories of a ghost have been passed down amongst the staff over the years and these two wannabe ghost-hunters set out to connect with the spirit. The first half of the film sets itself up as a comical, offbeat kind of flick that works to give the viewer a false sense of security. You know that the movie is heading somewhere but you're not too sure exactly where... and then the humour is abandoned and a genuinely effective horror story takes over. It's skilfully made with a great lighting design and clever cinematography. Tension is built well with a good score and a very well managed use of silence. Before the film begins the producers advise it be viewed at a loud volume for maximum effect and its a useful piece of advice. Not so much for the loud startle moments but more for the subtle whispered ghost noises throughout the halls. I think it utilises a whole heap of classic supernatural themes in a new and refreshing way, all the while feeling traditional. My only real peeve with The Innkeepers is the lead actress. She's mega irritating, but perhaps that's because I've had my dose of her from the pre-teen barforama that is Aquamarine (13 y/o daughter, remember). Anyhow I give kudos to this one and give you the head's up to watch the final frame carefully... there's a delicious subtlety hidden behind an obvious fright!

---