CRIMSON PEAK (2015)

Genre: Horror
Running Length: 1:59

Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain,Charlie Hunnam

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Screenplay: Guillermo del Toro & Matthew Robbins

As one of the characters in CRIMSON PEAK quoted, this movie isn't so much a ghost story but more of a story with ghosts. In fact the sightings of apparitions are just red herrings to a tragic love story (not to say that the appearance of these "dead people" are Casper like because I actually had to close my eyes a few times and watched with my ears). 

I'm not sure if the filmmakers deliberately crafted this movie as a 100% homage to 19th century Gothic literature but everything from the dialogue to the production set somehow made me feel like I was watching a sweeping period piece. Strangely, there were moments I felt like I was watching a stage play but presented in a cinematic fashion. Perhaps it was the manner of the dialogue that was presented by the actors (at times, the dialogue sounds over-the-top silly), or perhaps it's because the majority of the film takes place in a lavish but run down English mansion set piece. No, it's not actually a bad thing because I was thoroughly engaged throughout. Although I must say, the occasional shocking violence and hardcore gore seemed a little out of place. 

As good as the lead actors are, they are somewhat interchangeable. Just like the Phantom of the Opera stage play, audiences are more invested in the characters rather than the actors playing these characters. So for example, Tom Hiddleston's character in this movie could have been played by say, Hugh Jackman (but Hugh Jackman wouldn't be able to play the character of Loki because Tom Hiddleston IS Loki). 

Lastly, from a technical standpoint, Crimson Peak is a spectacle. The set design is a treat for the eyes, the cinematography is breathtakingly beautiful and the score is perfect. The CGI is used very appropriately. Del Toro's distinctive style is very much evident here as demonstrated in his "creatures". His "monsters" are not just scary but they are usually soulful. And in this film, he doesn't really rely on boo moments to scare his audiences but prefers to allow dread and tension to build instead. 

This del Toro's dark and twisted fantasy is definitely worth the experience. 

Rating: 8.5/10