Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Skeletons in the Closet’

2/11/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Valery M. Ortiz and Terrance Howard as Valentina and Mike in Asif Akbar’s SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET. (Photo Courtesy of Danielle Lukas. A Shudder Release.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Skeletons in the Closet’.

There will come a point in our lives, whether we like or not and whether we are ready or not… where we will face quite the crisis. In that, either we, or someone that means the world to us… will become quite ill. In fact, they’ll be sick enough where discussions of funerals will take place and where one will have to watch that person… wither and suffer before one’s eyes. Which is… a devastating period of time for all of us. One that we truly cannot avoid and one that we must reconcile in some form or fashion emotionally. Which may happen later but must happen none the less so we can find peace from an inevitability that is part of the human experience.

But of course, that doesn’t stop our minds in the middle of the pain and the chaos, from pondering upon all the possible solutions that could save the person that is suffering. Because we want nothing more than more moments for them, more life, and that is also why we explore every experimental treatment, every experimental drug. All in the hopes of bringing forth an honest to God miracle that will give all parties involved relief, and a second chance at life. But that… is often nothing more than last gasps of hope, the kind that stave off the pain of the end that is to come. But it does leave us wondering… what would happen, if by chance… we could find a miracle of sorts. One that would save all that we cherish, and it just so happens that a new Shudder feature from director Asif Akbar explores just that in Skeletons in the Closet.

A feat that this story accomplishes by introducing us to a loving family consisting of Mark, Valentina and their only daughter, Jenny, and it truly seems as though this family has it all. For Mark is doing well at work and Jenny’s medical troubles appear to be behind her, and all that lies ahead is happiness and love. But just like that, Mark loses his job and Jenny’s health is back in decline. Putting the family at a devastating crossroads, one that prompts Mark to go to extremes to pay for his daughter’s treatments. But even that, won’t give the family the relief and hope they need. Which prompts them to reach out to individuals in the spiritual world to find a cure, and well… they can most certainly have it, for quite the horrific price.

Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrance Howard as Andres and Mike in Asif Akbar’s SKELETONS IN THE CLOSET. (Photo Courtesy of Danielle Lukas. A Shudder Release.)

Which is the perfect plot to explore some fascinating concepts. Such as how, finding a miracle cure to our biggest worries would indeed bring about joy and wonder, and a peace we desperately seek. Because just like that… that loved one will be around and we can all enjoy more memories together. But of course, there is indeed a price that would come with that, and the film uses horror elements to explore that. Since the lurking evil in this story serves as a grand allegory for how… death and suffering is actually healthy for us to go through. Because to be denied that would give us a sense of entitlement and complacency, and we would never grow and never be able to really value the few moments we have and find wonder within them. Making us… hollow really… and inhuman in a unique and terrifying manner.

Making this, a thoughtful film about the importance of accepting the darker stuff life sends our way, because it has value, it has gravitas and with the right support network, we will get through it and be stronger and more committed to living a full life filled with wonder. But of course, make no mistake about it, this is a horror film at its core, and those lessons don’t exist without some quality scares, and we do find those here as well. Since director Asif Akbar, makes use of some dynamic jump scares and tension building to send shivers down our spines, along with some fascinating visuals that at times, make this film feel akin to the gothic classics of yesteryear, and believe it or not, there is more wonder to be found here.

In that, this movie also features a stellar cast. One that features Terrance Howard (Mike), Udo Kier (Luc), and even Cuba Gooding Jr. (Andres), and each of them bring real gravity and power to their performances. Not to mention Valery M. Ortiz (Valentina) sells the pain and fear that we would experience in her shoes and in really in the end, this is quite the delightful horror film. One that hits all the right notes, since it features deep commentary, a human connection and scares that unsettle and stun and above all, implores each of us to embrace the wonder and the horrors of life. For we are nothing without light and darkness, and that’s a wonderful lesson to find within a story about that which we fear most.

Watch ‘Skeletons in the Closet’

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