7/10
A Old-Fashioned and Light Ghost Story Thriller
12 May 2012
"The Inkeepers" (2011) is a suspense-horror thriller, written and directed by Ti West, which takes place in the Yankee Pedlar Inn Hotel (which really exists, in Torrington, Connecticut, USA), and tells the story of the two last attendants in this centennial Inn (Claire - Sara Paxton and Luke - Pat Healy), which is about to close and having his last weekend, along with the rare (and strange)final guests in the Hotel.

The hotel has a history of being haunted, due to a woman who committed suicide in the past there (Madeline O'Malley), after learn that her husband died, and two attendants try always when possible to investigate when the hotel in search of apparitions or signs supernatural, to prove it, with "professional" ghost hunters equipment(as seen in series).

Well done visually, the film has a classic filming approach, which emphasizes the place, almost always empty - it is very interesting the opening, with images of the site since its founding in 1891 until the present day, and 98% of the movie goes on inside it or around it. Also I liked the sub-division into three chapters of the film at key points, like a book, each chapter presenting a different climate.

The trail is suitable both musical and sound effects ones, and perfect for this film and its narrative, nothing worthy of an Oscar, but well produced and I do not offer any criticism of the acting of the characters (yes, they are well characterized), especially the two protagonists. Another detail: the cast is reduced, up to 15 people, but well selected.

Initially the film, which I consider more a Thriller, shows a trend towards comedy, and passes gradually to the suspense and finally to terror. Gory scenes are mostly absent until the end, where they are relevant, and the script emphasizes the psychological of the characters, especially the main character, the young and naive Claire.

The Innkeepers ends up being one more example that a movie with cast and limited production does not necessarily mean something bad, beating many current films with a greater budget - a well-written script is crucial.

For those who like stories of old-fashioned thrillers, this movie is a very pleasant experience, and not abuse of blood, and have a atmosphere of ghost story without being something heavy or appellative - contrary to what many fans expect a horror movie has a lot of blood and violence, full of special effects. A good movie to watch, my score: 6.8 / 10.0.
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