Most critics respond warmly to Skeletons, with praise centring on its eccentric humour, likeable performances and the feeling beneath its supernatural oddness. The favourable reviews find the central duo endearing and the comedy quietly affecting, crediting the film with making room for pain without losing its light touch. Its understated approach earns particular approval, while the rural locations and cinematography draw praise for atmosphere. The folk music also receives a favourable mention.
The spread is wide, however, and the reservations go beyond whether its strangeness appeals. Even some supporters describe a comedy that comes close rather than fully succeeds. Time Out finds it likeable but scrappy, while Variety offers the sharpest dissent, judging the comedy unsuccessful and faulting a weak script and predictable, unconvincing plotting. The divide is chiefly over whether the performances and emotional warmth make its odd fantasy work.