Review of Crimson Peak (2015) by Isadore H — 29 Jul 2016

Superior ghost story in which writer/director Guillermo del Toro wisely uses the ghosts for creepy effect instead of making them the stars of the show. That top billing goes to Annendale Hall, a decrepit estate filled with character, from the cracked ceiling that allows leaves or snow to fall into the entry hall to the groaning pipes that emit red water until they clear their throats, this is one of filmdom's greatest set interiors in recent years.

For the human actors, I'm not big on Mia Wasikowska but she performs capably, and even her fans will submit that the real star is Jessica Chastain breaking away from type as a raven haired scheming mystery woman, sister to the enterprising Tom Hiddleston.

Some genuine chills and a quality mystery make this superior to del Toro's "Devil's Backbone" and yes, also "Pan's Labyrinth".