THE INNKEEPERS (2011)

 

Written, Directed & Edited By: Ti West  Cinematography: Eliot Rockett

Cast: Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis, Brenda Cooney, Lena Dunham

During the final days at the Yankee Pedlar Inn, two employees determined to reveal the hotel's haunted past begin to experience disturbing events as old guests check in for a stay.

This film has the classic feel of a ghost story. Which can be rare in a film set in modern times. Though this one about ghosts set in a dying hotel. Actually gives it a parallel throughout. 

The film has a few scares but like writer/Director Ti West’s previous film THE HOUSE OF THE DEVIL. He prefers to take his time to build tension and take it to its breaking point and then reveal things. Here he can’t be accused of phoning it in or trying the same formula. 

The film isn’t as exciting as you would think it would be and still leaves the audience with quite a few questions but still feels satisfying. 

As the film is small-scale and revealing as it goes along. Though not much happens in the film. It still manages to affect you. The cinematography is immaculate, especially in the tracking shots of such a small location. 

Though we follow Sara Paxton’s character. We never truly learn that much about her. Though once in a while we get some perks into her past. We superficially get to know her and her co-worker played by Pat Healy. 

We never get to know them deeply. So when everything starts going down. Though we are scared and scared for them as human beings. We feel nothing truly. As we might feel for leads in most horror films that we have a connection with. 

I will admit to not being the biggest fan of ghost stories or haunted places films. Which tend to feel like you are just waiting around for things to happen a lot of times. Followed by a scene or two where it finally does and that is about it. This one managed to keep my interest.

Grade: C+