Crimson Peak (2015)

In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds - and remembers.

Jess’ Review

Crimson Peak today, slowly upping the creepy-ante with an injection of gothic horror from fantasy master, Guillermo Del Toro. Starring Mia Wasikowska and Tom Hiddleston, we see our young, aspiring-writer and protagonist (Wasikowska), entangled in a story of murder, romance and mystery. The casting is spot-on despite original changes to the film, as are the performances. Though I wonder whether these characters are slightly two-dimensional. They fall into typical archetypes, respectively oozing villainy or purity from even the way in which they dress. Stern-looking lady in the blood red gown? Oh yes, she must be the kindly and supportive sister-figure to Edith. These characters are predictable and lack a certain depth, with a quite-frankly bland lead (no offence to Wasikowska, who could only work with what she had). But this is perhaps my only real qualm with Crimson Peak. Now, the good stuff. Visually, Del Toro’s film is a beautiful, macabre homage to the horror-gothic genre. The costume design is gorgeous. The set design is flawless with the slow-decaying mansion of the Sharpe siblings possessing as much character, if not more, than our heroine. Even the blood-like clay that overwhelms this building adds another layer of foreboding to the mood. And the film’s atmosphere is more often than not already brimming with tension. I love it. The horror elements are good, and Del Toro even squeezes in a few jump-scares. A little cheap at times, but effective. Though he builds tension well, resulting in what is actually quite a scary film. But in truth, the ghosts fascinated me more than  anything. As a graduate of a special effects course, I am enamoured with the traditional, physical effects often adopted by Del Toro. He truly creates monsters, and the prosthetics designs are throughly unnerving on screen. Aided more so from the performances of monster-actors Javier Botet and Doug Jones. I’m fascinated by these men and recommend any horror, or fantasy fan, to take the time to delve in their extensive filmographies. All in all, Crimson Peak was a divisive one for me. On the one hand, it was visually stunning and a feast for the eyes. On the other, the plot and it’s characters were disappointingly blasé. Del Toro delivers with his fantastical, stylistic universe, yet falls short of a compelling story.

7/10

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My opinion here should be taken as it is, invalid, as I know little of the time period. Yet initially the film comes across as a very good imitation of the 19th Century, but it lacks authenticity. The lighting seems too dramatic, warm hues surrounded by harsh shadow. It’s visually striking, and if you pause on certain frames you’d swear that you were looking upon a renaissance painting.

As we progress, Del Toro comes into his own. He manages to create a delightfully dark fantasy world within the confines of our own. Though the film is set, for the majority of its runtime, within England, you’d be forgiven for wondering if you’d stumbled through a wardrobe to find a twisted Narnia. Leaves descend through a hole in the ceiling of the great hall, though trees are scant, and none tall enough to stand over the home. Yet, even the nonsensical can be forgiven as the aesthetic is inspired. Even the costume design, something that often slips below my radar, is tremendous.

Unfortunately, the story is predictable. Much to Jess’ annoyance, I guessed the entirety of the film, save for one minor detail. It’s very easy to recognise the “good guys” and the “bad guys”, which is a shame.

However, though the film has it’s whimsical plot-holes, and is unfortunately predictable, Del Toro masterfully crafts the tension. It truly is a hair-raising film, that had me nervous throughout. My only disappointment was the backing track. Moments that could have been poignant, were made too obvious by the music’s signalling that we should have been frightened. That said, scenes can flutter between frantic and still with ease. And both have me staring at the TV in fright.

If you’re a fan of horror, or even if you’re a fan of fantasy and want something darker, this is worth a watch. Visually it’s inspiring, a dark, twisted fantasy.

7/10