The Innkeepers review

The last film that came to us courtesy of Ti West, House of the Devil, was simply one of the best horror films to grace the silver screen for decades. It was straightforward yet terrifyingly taut, and the tale of the babysitter who was unknowingly being stalked by devil worshippers was a small masterpiece in the genre, and will only have probably escaped your notice due to its extremely limited cinematic release.

If it had had a classic and slow rollout it would have done absolute wonders for the reputation of both the film and Ti West as the follow up, The Innkeepers, seems to be sliding towards Video on Demand with similar little fanfare. This film isn’t as ingenious as House of the Devil, but nevertheless is a very creepy scarefest that has stand out performances throughout the cast.

Sara Paxton (Shark Night) is Claire, an adorable yet neurotic wallflower who works in the The Yankee Pedlar, an inn with a long standing urban legend attached to it regarding a newlywed who died there and whose death was subsequently covered up by the management. This is theInn’s last weekend before it closes for good, and Claire’s only co-worker is Luke, Pat Healey from Rescue Dawn.

They work together to make a last attempt at capturing some evidence, on  their audio equipment, of the supposed paranormal phenomena. That pretty much covers the plot, and quite simply that’s all you need. There is an interlude with Kelly McGillis as an actress/psychic ala Shirley Maclaine and the odd annoying tenant, but that’s it.

The Innkeepers certainly isn’t overloaded with incident, and the suspense isn’t overplayed or constantly gratified, which often makes the result all too disappointing. What West has done with this film is craft a film that is both understated and deeply scary revolving around detached characters who are obsessed with finding answers and falling into a prophecy which culminates in one of the most frightening climaxes in history.

Even though it is terrifying, the ending sticks to the minimalist theme and very little happens. If you boiled The Innkeepers until you were just left with its essence, you would have a short and familiar ghost story perfect to tell round a campfire, but West isn’t satisfied with this and goes for the jugular with great effect.

He effectively pops the torch under his chin and milks every spooky moment with a silent, menacing tension. This is one of those all too rare horror films that makes you want to physically scream “don’t go in there!” and it will take great self restrain from stopping yourself from doing so.

West’s camera is lurking through corridors threatening to reveal terrors behind every door, such is the immersion factor that you will find yourself inadvertently craning your neck to see around corners. He is also clever enough not to give you a shock every time you expect one, thus the ones you do get give you the maximum effect. In short this is a brilliant film and it is a travesty that so few will get the opportunity to be scared witless by it.