Director: Guillermo del Toro
Writer: Guillermo del Toro (Screenplay)
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver, Burn Gorman, Leslie Hope, Doug Jones, Jonathan Hyde
Plot: 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.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Gothic Romantic Horror
Story: Crimson Peak starts with Edith Cushing (Wasikowska) looking back on here young life when she first saw death, when her mother died at the age of ten. Edith gets haunted by her own mother who warns her about Crimson Peak. Edith now a young woman has her life turned upside when mysterious strange Sir Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston) and his sister Lady Lucille Sharpe (Chastain) arrive in America. Thomas wins her heart but only after her father Carter (Beavers) dies and Edith returns to England with the Sharpe’s.
It becomes clear that the Sharpe siblings are up to something but the ghosts of the house seem to have ideas of their own in the form of warnings for Edith, but we are remained to wonder what are the secrets of Crimson Peak? Edith old friend Dr Alan McMichael (Hunnam) is investigating just what happened to Carter and once he uncovers the truth we will too.
Crimson Peak brings us a complete mix of genre unlike anything we have seen before, this could actually be the downfall of this film though. We do get good elements in this film with the horror having the ghosts warning haunt, a mystery about what the Sharpe’s are really up to and the romantic angle between Edith and Thomas. I do feel they are sometimes overcrowding the angles but I do like the idea the horror doesn’t end being over the top. I do think this is a different style of film to the standard horror we are used to seeing which is a big plus really for the genre.
Actor Review
Mia Wasikowska: Edith Cushing is the young aspiring author who gets seduced by the charming Mr Sharpe. When her father dies she returns to England where she gets haunted by the ghosts of the mansion as she learns the secrets of the Sharpe’s. Mia gives a good performance but never really reaches the level we know she is capable off.
Jessica Chastain: Lucille Sharpe is the sister of Thomas, she keeps herself to herself but is always calculating her next move, and having a control over Thomas. Jessica does a good job in the final act but really doesn’t have much to do in the opening half of the film.
Tom Hiddleston: Thomas Sharpe is the charming English man who comes to America, charms Edith and brings her back to his home in England to make her his wife. He does have a secret behind his motives but will he let love takeover. Tom does well in a role you could see him playing all day long.
Charlie Hunnam: Dr Alan McMichael is the family friend of Edith who clearly has eyes for her and even after she leaves he decides to figure out what the secret about the Sharpe’s really is. Charlie gives a god performance but sadly doesn’t get enough screen time.
Support Cast: Crimson Peak doesn’t have the biggest supporting cast and the ones we see do a good job when needed.
Director Review: Guillermo del Toro – Guillermo brings his own style to this film that we all know is what makes his so popular and you can see it all in every scene.
Horror: Crimson Peak only really uses the horror for the warnings for Edith.
Mystery: Crimson Peak gives us plenty to think about as we have to work out what the Sharpe’s motives really are.
Romance: Crimson Peak brings in a romantic story line where an older man wins over the heart of the young woman.
Settings: Crimson Peak keeps most of the setting in the isolated mansion in the middle of the English countryside which adds to the horror elements.
Special Effects: Crimson Peak creates very good effects for the ghosts that feel unique for the film.
Suggestion: Crimson Peak is one to try, I can see people not liking this but I think it is rewarding in the long run. (Try It)
Best Part: Ghosts look great.
Worst Part: Not enough time on each genre.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: Maybe on effects, make up and costume categories.
Budget: $55 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 59 Minutes
Tagline: Beware
Overall: A style of film we don’t see any more that will be remember for years to come.
Rating
