The Innkeepers (2011) - Review in 4K Ultra HD

      The Innkeepers, 2011.

      Directed by Ti West.

      Featuring Sara Paxton, Pat Healy, Kelly McGillis, Jake Ryan, Alison Bartlett, John Speredakos, and George Riddle.

      SYNOPSIS:

      As an old hotel approaches its final days of operation, two of its employees embark on a ghost hunting adventure.

      For fans of more traditional horror films, Ti West's 2009 retro-thriller The House of the Devil was a breath of fresh air amidst a flood of violent torture films. A genuine slow-burn in every sense, the movie drew from the best elements of classic Hammer horror along with Rosemary’s Baby, The Amityville Horror, and The Exorcist, demonstrating that excessive CGI bloodshed, cheap jump scares, and an interchangeable cast can't compete with well-crafted pacing, escalating tension, compelling storytelling, and a visionary style. The Innkeepers served as the director's follow-up, allowing him to delve into his arsenal again to generate authentic frights, but with a slightly more playful tone. Second Sight has treated it to a 4K UHD restoration, mirroring what they did for his previous film.

      Claire (Sara Paxton) and Luke (Pat Healy) are staff members at The Yankee Pedlar Hotel, which is shutting down due to dwindling business. Working during the hotel’s last weekend, they also look into the rumored supernatural occurrences on the premises, particularly the story of Madeline O’Malley, a spurned bride who hanged herself in the basement, with her body concealed by the then-owners of the hotel. Among the guests that weekend are former Hollywood star Leanne Rease-Jones (Kelly McGillis), a mother and child fleeing a broken marriage, and a peculiar elderly man, a past resident, who insists on occupying the now-closed honeymoon suite.

      While on receptionist duty, Claire explores the hotel and attempts to reach out to Madeline’s spirit. After feeling unsettled, she confides in Leanne, who may hold the key to unlocking the hotel’s mysteries. However, as Claire and Luke dig deeper, they begin to regret their curiosity.

      Drawing heavily on Kubrick’s The Shining, The Innkeepers effectively utilizes its expansive hotel setting, employing long shots of desolate hallways and a spacious lobby to instill feelings of isolation and despair similar to that film. True to the spirit of classic ghost tales, it is often what remains unseen that delivers a stronger impact than what the filmmakers reveal. Both Sara Paxton and Pat Healy deliver solid performances as the amateur ghost hunters, embodying enough slacker charm and naivety to feel authentic in today's internet-driven culture. Kelly McGillis convincingly portrays the hard-drinking former actress, adding a layer of maturity to The Innkeepers, and the supporting cast members bring a commendable gravitas to their roles, ensuring that even minor characters stand out.

      Over the years, much has been said about the film's pacing, which takes its time to build toward genuine scares; this is a valid critique since the initial 50 minutes primarily focus on following Claire and Luke through their daily tasks and interactions with awkward guests. Nevertheless, the wait pays off, as by the time the tension spikes, viewers have invested enough time in these characters to care about their discovery journey.

      The House of the Devil unfolded in a similar manner, albeit in a more restrained fashion, and its late '70s/early '80s aesthetic undoubtedly bolstered its atmosphere. This film's contemporary setting may be where it lacks appeal for modern audiences expecting more narrative depth in a ghost story. However, the payoff is gratifying once the hotel’s secrets are unveiled. As previously mentioned, what is omitted from the screen often proves more effective.

      For those who have been collecting Second Sight's box sets, you will know what to expect in terms of content and presentation, and The Innkeepers maintains this consistency, being presented in a beautiful rigid slipcase that includes a 120-page booklet, art cards, and interviews with the cast and crew. Given Ti West’s tendency to converse extensively, these interviews might be best enjoyed over several sessions. The film itself has been restored by Second Sight, and while it may not dazzle with vibrant colors and sleek motion tracking, it showcases a high level of detail, with the blacks in darker scenes contrasting well against skin tones and backgrounds without obvious crushing.

      In summary, The Innkeepers may not reach the same level of satisfaction or terror as The House of the Devil, but perhaps it’s not meant to, as it requires certain patience from the audience that mainstream viewers might not appreciate, leaving more questions than answers. Some characters lack defined arcs, and their motivations are often unclear; however, the possibility for interpretation enhances the joy of storytelling. If you're ready to embrace its mysteries and endure the slow build-up, there are rewards in store. After all,