Crimson Peak - A Movie Review

Perhaps we notice things once the time comes to see them.

Showing up at the mansion in 2015, Crimson Peak is about a young woman who is made a special offer. After a family tragedy, Edith is torn between two sides. Moving into a mysterious mansion with her lover, she discovers secrets of the past.

Crimson Peak is a gothic tale like no other. You have to give this film a chance. Carrying hidden meanings, Crimson Peak is a bold story supplementing a tale about ghosts and how we see the world.

Mia Wasikowska is magnificent in her performance. She did an excellent job with her emotions along with her connection to the character. Noticing every subtle detail, Edith is unlike all the other women in her time. Having a passion to write, Edith’s mind is put to the test.

Jessica Chastain is diverse in any role that she is given. Chastain is chilling, delivering a monumental performance. As Chastain specified, the role of Lucille challenged her. I was floored by Tom Hiddleston’s charming performance. Chastain and Hiddleston were remarkable in their dynamic.

The characters have a lot of depth in Crimson Peak. Other credits include Charlie Hunnan, Jim Beaver, Burn Gorman, Leslie Hope, Jonathan Hyde, and an impressive performance by Doug Jones. I would have loved to have joined them for the elegant waltz. Sometimes I forgot that it was just a film because the cast made it so authentic.

Crimson Peak holds a grim atmosphere uncovering dark layers. It’s not the story that you think it is. Sometimes films are about something different. Although this film is presented as a horror film, it’s a different story about ghosts.

The effects for ghostly figures are cryptic. Guillermo del Toro did an outstanding job with the design of the ghosts along with the mansion. He had excellent use of shading. The style looks like a moving painting. Watch closely and the beauty slowly lingers out of the film becoming morbid and grim.

Everything you see in the house was made entirely for the film. Actors and the director commend that this is the best set they have ever worked on. I agree. Unfortunately, it had to be torn down as the filming ended.

Del Toro spends time with the direction throughout the film, along with his use of dark imagery. The looming camera effects were breathtaking. Someone is always watching you. Most importantly, he worked extremely well with the cast. The deliveries and energy give you goosebumps at times.

Costume designers did their research on the wardrobe. By studying the time period closely, designers created the best costumes. The costumes are gorgeous - particularly the gowns. Even the clothes are symbolic. The music has a soothing quality to it.

As for the ghostly figures, they were really intriguing to read upon. Doug Jones dressed up in an impressive makeover to perform as a notable figure. Fair warning, the ghostly figures are startling in their appearance. Once you have a better understanding of the moral, it changes your opinion. I love when movies do that.

Crimson Peak has several themes. In a time where women didn’t have much of a voice, women are allowed to be what they want. It’s better to listen to your instincts than what others tell you to do.

Films about ghosts are my favorite. Ghosts have a significant role in this world. As Edith explains, ghosts are a metaphor for the past. The past carries stories. We may not understand things until the time comes to see them.

Watch Crimson Peak on Netflix. You won’t regret it.