Review of Crimson Peak (2015) by Jeffrey M — 29 Mar 2016

Peek Into the Dark.

More memorable than scary, and more mysterious than horrifying, Crimson Peak is a very interesting entry in to a packed genre. Directed by the innovative and eccentric Guillermo del Toro, Crimson Peak proves to be one of his most compelling films, striking a balance between multiple film classifications, and intriguing the audience with its audacity and elegance from the first shot to the last.

The film tells the story of a young woman caught in the midst of an ill-fated romance with a broke aristocrat, fresh off his appeals to her rich father's money for a mining device. She receives eerie and baffling warnings from beyond, yet can't seem to shake her feelings of affection. The result is a film that weaves themes of love, horror, death, money, class, and fate.

First and foremost, however, del Toro keeps the film anchored to its characters. This is what makes it so effective. We care for each of them, we are intrigued by all of them, and become nearly enchanted with their inter-dynamics. He also had world building so impressive that it nearly astounds. The set design, the costumes, the scenery, everything is impeccable. It's the best looking period piece I've seen in quite some time. Simply put, the film is visually astounding.

The trajectory of the film takes some interesting directions and the overall narrative feels rich, not so much by the script, but by the strong acting and del Toro's excellent direction.

4/5 Stars.