Crimson Peak

"Where I come from, ghosts are not to be taken lightly."

Edith Cushing (Wasikowska) is a writer, trying to get her first book published.  The publishers want her to write love stories, not "ghost stories".  Her widowed father (Beaver) encourages her writing, even though most of their friends mock her career.  She is also encouraged by her childhood friend, Dr. Alan McMichael (Hunnam).  As she works on rewrites, she meets English baronet and inventor Sir Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston) and his sister Lucille (Chastain), who are looking for investors for Thomas' invention.  Thomas and Edith are attracted to each other, and they draw closer together after the brutal murder of her father.

They marry and return to the Sharpe family home.  The mansion is dilapidated and slowly sinking into the ground beneath it.  The land is on a clay mine and nothing grows there.  The house is always cold and dark, and seems to have a life of it's own.  From the beginning, Edith is plagued by ghosts that appear to her alone.  Can she solve the mystery of the house, before the visions destroy her?


I do not like horror movies or ghost stories and tend to avoid them.  However, I enjoy Guillermo del Toro's films and vision, and decided to make an exception for this film.

The film is not what it appears, in fact, it mirrors Edith's description of her novel: a story with ghosts (who serve a purpose) and there is a love story (but it is not the main focus).  Despite the trailers and marketing, it is not a horror film... it is a Gothic romance.  The film is not scary... it is violent, unsettling at times, and keeps you on the edge of your seat.  The house and music adds to the tension.  The story is interesting, and keeps the film from becoming predictable or easy to categorize.  Del Toro co-wrote the script with Matthew Robbins.

The visuals are dazzling.  The house, Allerdale Hall, is gorgeous and dangerous.  And the ghosts are incredible.  The main ghosts are played by del Toro regular, Doug Jones.  Jones is best known for his roles in science fiction films, hidden beneath heavy makeup and prosthetics.  The Hall takes on an existence of it's own, and is a fascinating setting.  And the filmmakers make subtle choices with color and imagery to contrast Edith's life in American and her life at the Hall.  Oddly enough the film was not nominated for any Oscars, despite it's strong visuals and storytelling.

The main cast are well-known for their ability to excel in any genre.  Jessica Chastain's Lucille keeps you guessing throughout and changes on a dime.  Mia Wasikowska's Edith is a good audience surrogate / strong female lead.  The men are good as well, but never outshine their female costars.

This film definitely isn't for everyone, but if you are a del Toro fan, this is definitely worth checking out.

Crimson Peak (2015) 119 minutes
Rating: R for bloody violence, some sexual content and brief strong language
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Mia Wasikowska as Edith Cushing
Jessica Chastain as Lady Lucille Sharpe
Tom Hiddleston as Sir Thomas Sharpe
Charlie Hunnam as Dr. Alan McMichael
Jim Beaver as Carter Cushing
Burn Gorman as Mr. Holly