The Innkeepers

THE INNKEEPERS (2011) - Jan. 2, 2012
Another really effective horror film from Ti West, about a couple of employees at an old hotel that's about to close down, and the supernatural shenanigans that are afoot.  West takes his time with the characters here -- in fact, the first half of the film feels more like a low-key drama, and the horror stuff only starts to seriously kick in in the last half hour or so.  But it absolutely works, because the film is so well made, and because the characters and the performances are so good.  There's genuine chemistry between the two leads, and all the time spent making us care about the characters just makes the horror stuff all the more effective.  I think it's clear enough at this point that West is a serious talent (and, like with House of the Devil, Jeff Grace's memorable score is a highlight).  ***1/2