Crimson Peak (2015) Movie Review

Crimson Peak is a creepy, little treat for all Gothic horror lovers

Director: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver
Studios: Legendary Pictures, DDY, Universal Pictures
Release dates: October 16, 2015

Plot: A young woman discovers that her husband and his sister may be hiding a dark, sinister secret that puts her into a whirlwind of lies, deception, and the supernatural.

The first time I've heard about this film, I was immediately attracted to it. I mean, c'mon. Guillermo Del Toro doing horror? Gothic mansion? Tom Hiddleston? I became a fan right away. And as more images from the film starts spreading through the Internet, my excitement started to build up. Then, came the trailer. I had to download the trailer to my phone because I just can't help but watch it over and over again. It already became one of my most anticipated films this 2016, alongside the Hunger Games finale and Avengers sequel. And after watching the film, I must say that it blew me away. To the point that I forgot the rest of the horror films I've seen this year. 

A lot of people might complain that the film is not really scary as compared to the slew of horror films today like the Insidious and Sinister sequels. A lot of people found the film a bit too artsy on the visual side but lacking a unique plot. Some even say that the film is too hard to be accepted as a horror film or a romance film. But let me tell you this. This is the type of films that started the horror genre. This is how this whole tree of slashers, gorefests, zombie movies and monster films began. From Nosferatu to Frankenstein, Gothic cinema has been a foundation for the horror genre. And with Crimson Peak, Guillermo Del Toro pays homage and respect to the root of this amazing genre of cinema.

Yes, it is true that the story may have a lot of similarities to other films. Actually, even before I went to see the film, I already knew that there was something that's going on between Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain's character (because it 's quite similar to the story of R.L. Stine's "Superstitious"). But then, the way that Del Toro and Matthew Robbins weave the story is just so amazing and engaging.

Also, I'd like to praise the visual department for doing a wonderful job at creating the whole look of the film. From the costumes and the sets, most specifically the Allerdale Hall, the Sharpes' dilapidated mansion, which sits atop a red clay mine. Honestly, I'd like to have a house as gorgeous yet so mysterious as this one. 

The ghosts in this film shares similarities with the ghost from 'Mama'. But they're much more scarier and shocking to the eye. I actually jumped when I saw one of them popped out behind a door as shown in one of the trailers for this film.

The lead cast is also picked very well. I can't think of it any other actors and actresses for this movie aside from Hiddleston, Chastain and Wasikowska. Mia Wasikowska is the perfect protagonist as Edith Cushing, the girl in peril. Charlie Hunnam is also a really good choice as his savior. I really miss seeing him in movies since 2013's Pacific Rim. Tom Hiddeslton always brings delight on screen whenver he's around. He's one of the main reasons why I wanted to watch this film, being a big fan. But the scene-stealer of them all is Jessica Chastain. She is just so amazing in this film. This is probably my favorite film featuring her in the lead (among Mama, Interstellar and The Martian). She is full of energy and mystery, making her the scariest movie character I've seen this year.








A sweet and punchy concoction of romance, horror, mystery and gore, Crimson Peak is definitely one of my top list for this year.

Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰