Crimson Peak

Crimson Peak

Old fashioned Gothic ghost story with contemporary visual effects

Let's get this out of the way first: Crimson Peak is not for everyone. In fact, while a broad audience might like the film, it's really going to be a pretty niche audience that's going to really enjoy the film. To begin with this is a very Gothic-y movie. It's drenched in Gothic atmosphere, not just the wardrobe and period sets, but also the lighting and old fashioned cinema techniques. With such an emphasis on atmosphere over thrills, it's appeal is likely to be limited among true horror movie buffs. On the other hand, it's without a doubt a horror movie, filled with all the explicit gore one might expect from such a feature - which likely limits it's appeal among the "Downton Abbey" crowd and Brontë purists.

The film tells the story of a privileged New York heiress who falls for a strange English baronet and, following the demise of her disapproving father, is soon wedded and whisked off to is deteriorating mansion nicknamed by the locals "Crimson Peak". Strange occurrences and eerie apparitions begin appearing to her almost immediately. 

Guillermo del Toro has emerged in recent years as a solid director in the dark fantasy / horror genre with a unique vision and a penchant for period pieces. So, it was probably only a matter of time before he took on a Victorian ghost story. While the film only garnered mediocre audience response (probably for the exact reasons above), it might just be cinematic gold for those who appreciate Tim Burton's films, but really wish he'd just make an out-and-out horror film for once.

The visual effects are well done, but the real show stealer is Tom Hiddleston as Sir Thomas, the baronet. Recommended to fans of films like The Shining, Sleepy Hollow, and The Others.