Crimson Peak
Top of the morning to you BossFam! Still playing catch up with some of these films, but I got to see a pretty brilliant horror flick last night by the name of Crimson Peak. The film stars Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, & Tom Hiddleston; Directed by the great Guillermo del Toro.
For the sake of keeping this a spoiler-free review I’ll use IMDB’s description of the film:
In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds…and remembers.
Del Toro and his writing team are simply brilliant for this one! The Horror tale takes the same vein as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic horror stories. As a fan of Doyle (Sherlock Holmes, The Lost World, and Supernatural Tales), you can see why this film drew me in. Victorian back drops and themes that center on thrilling mysteries and the after images left by the dead full of regret and tragedy. Mix that with Del Toro’s unique style and use of both CGI and prosthetic costumes, and you have a story in front of you mixed with the right amounts of disturbing images that will have you unnerved and on the edge of your seat.
The imagery was beautifully warped and tragic as you learn more about the characters in front of you. This is horror in my opinion. Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m not a big Horror fan. It’s more due to its unsettling nature than anything else (the more successful horror films at least). Crimson Peak was superb in the fact that its twisted visuals have a startling effect the tragic nature of the story keeps you from looking away. I can always get behind a film with great content.
With the talented cast Crimson Peak has, it’s easy to see why it’s such a great film. Tom Hiddleston (more known for his work as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe) plays Thomas Sharpe, the mysterious entrepreneur that enters into the life of Edith Cushing (played by Mia Wasikowska). Watching their chemistry was amazing. You could see the growth in their connection while over-protective sister, Lucille Sharpe (played by Jessica Chastain, who I just saw in The Martian) watches over their relationship constantly evaluating. Charlie Hunnan plays the role of Dr. Alan McMichael, a childhood friend and love interest of Edith that is wary of her new relationship with Thomas.
Crimson Peak was an excellent addition to the Horror genre and is to sure make any fan feel unsettled in their seat as they watch. With an incredible production team and Oscar caliber actors it’s hard to miss with a piece like this. I would recommend anyone go spend the money to go see this. It’s definitely worth the time.