The Skeleton Key

Caroline, a young hospice worker, is haunted by the memory of her father, who passed away alone while she was on tour with a rock band. This guilt drives her to seek meaningful connections with her patients in a challenging work environment that constantly reminds her of her personal losses.

After witnessing yet another death where no family members show concern for the deceased's belongings, Caroline's faith in her work begins to deteriorate. The emotional toll compels her to reevaluate her role in the hospice and seek a job elsewhere.

Caroline decides to quit her job and starts searching for a new opportunity. She connects with a lawyer named Luke, who arranges an interview for her with a family in need of a personal care assistant, indicating a fresh start for Caroline.

Caroline arrives at the secluded mansion in New Orleans to care for Ben Devereaux, who has suffered a mysterious affliction. Despite the initial skepticism from Ben's wife, Violet, Caroline is encouraged by Luke to stay and begin her new role.

On her way to the mansion, Caroline stops at a bizarre gas station, which foreshadows the unsettling atmosphere of her new life. The strange display of objects, including animal bones, hints at the eerie experiences awaiting her.

Upon moving into the mansion, Caroline notices that all the mirrors have been removed at Violet's insistence. This peculiar detail adds to the eerie feeling and raises suspicions about the supernatural occurrences in the house.

While caring for Ben, Caroline starts to realize that he is not merely incapacitated; he is trying to communicate with her. His desperate signals make her increasingly concerned for his well-being and the nature of his condition.

One night, Caroline finds Ben precariously perched on the rooftop with a chilling bedsheet that reads 'Help Me' in dirt. This alarming scene heightens Caroline's urgency to seek help for Ben and underscores the dangers lurking in the mansion.

Caroline explores the locked attic room and uncovers a disturbing collection of items linked to dark magic. With insights from her former roommate Jill, she learns about Hoodoo and its power over belief, leaving her both fascinated and terrified.

As Caroline continues investigating, she finds a record titled 'The Conjure of Sacrifice' that seems crucial to the mansion's haunting. A tense confrontation with Violet reveals the tragic history tied to the house, including murders related to Hoodoo.

Despite Violet's manipulations, Caroline is determined to protect Ben and break the chains binding him. She feels increasingly compelled to act as the supernatural forces around her become more threatening.

The tensions reach a boiling point when Caroline confronts Violet directly. This confrontation sets off a series of frightening events culminating in a deadly fight for survival in the mansion.

Caroline discovers that she has become entangled in a body swap ritual, forced to confront her darkest fears and the violent histories within the mansion. The spirits of the lynched servants seem to take control, leading to a desperate struggle.

In the film's climax, Caroline grapples with not only Violet but also with the dark forces manipulating her fate. The haunting themes of power and identity intertwine as she fights for her life against sinister spirits.

As the terrifying events unfold, Caroline makes a final desperate call for help, facing the reality that her efforts may come too late. The conclusion leaves audiences reflecting on the tragic nature of Caroline's existence and her entrapment in a cruel haunt.