by Jon Partridge
Guillermo del Toro is one of our most distinctive working filmmakers today. His mind conjures up wonders such as The Devil’s Backbone, Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy, and Pacific Rim (yes I am an unapologetic fan). When he released Crimson Peak last year it seemed like a perfect vessel for his imaginings; what better a fit for Del Toro than Gothic horror married to his creative visuals? But the reality of Crimson Peak is that it is more of a period romance and mystery piece than anything truly spooky, something that makes the film no less fascinating.
Crimson Peak tells of young Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska), an aspiring horror writer residing with her wealthy father Carter (Jim Beaver) in Buffalo, New York, in 1887. Her literary leanings stem from a supernatural encounter she had as a young child, a visitation of her recently deceased mother as a young child, one that carried a warning. She encounters Baronet Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston), an English nobleman who has intentions on securing a loan from her father to reinvigorate his family home and source of income, Allendale Hall. It’s manor sat atop a mine which is the source of a unique type of clay, vibrant in red color, thus giving the estate its nickname “Crimson Peak.” A bond quickly forms between the two much to the disappointment of fellow suitor and long time friend Dr. Alan McMichael (Charlie Hunnam). The sudden death of her father precipitates a dramatic move to England, where as the new wife of Thomas she seeks to make a new home, but the chilly presence of his sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain) makes things difficult. Matters are further complicated when Edith starts to see ghostly figures walking the halls, figures that soon lead Edith on a path to discovering a macabre mystery surrounding Allendale and the Sharpe siblings.
As mentioned earlier, Crimson Peak has elements of a ghost tale, but the backbone of the film is really a period romance, a love triangle formed between Edith, Thomas, and his Machiavellian sister Lucille. It’s a dark but captivating romance entwined with the mystery surrounding Allendale and its inhabitants. The tropes are there: a flighty young thing swept up by a charming gentleman, the foreboding house with the off-limit floors, the unhinged family member, repressed sexual tension, the characters that fit into expected roles. Despite this feeling of familiarity, the del Toro influence and an engaging cast elevate it and provide some welcome texture and surprises.
The film revolves around Edith, who Wasikowska portrays with an awkward stiltedness which seems suited to the era but at times fails to showcase the moments of liberation required to make the romance believable. But her character remains an interesting one, an independent woman who seeks to rally against her natural place in society but only finds herself caught up in the machinations of others. Portrayed as a strong but at times passive creature, as things become increasingly stacked against her she strengthens her resolve to discover the truth behind her circumstance and the dark history of this estate. It’s yet another example of a female-driven film from 2015, a standout year and hopefully an indication of things to come.
Much credit goes to Tom Hiddleston. His Thomas is charming, but a hint of suspicion about his person is crafted with enough depth so that you find the later conflict between his objectives and developed feelings for Edith to be all the more believable. Chastain’s Lucille is icy cool but tinged with theatrics as required, fueled by ambition, love, and jealousy. Hunnam is perfectly functional as the heroic archetype, a tad more three dimensional that his work in Pacific Rim but far short of what he is capable of in Sons of Anarchy. It’s an unusual compromise within a film of this time, as it is somewhat required to paint people in broad strokes, with more of a pastiche to feed the melodramatic nature of the proceedings, but largely the cast rises above the occasion.
Crimson Peak is essentially a love letter from del Toro to multiple genres and sources, incorporating facets of Bronte, Hitchcock, and even the horror tropes of the Hammer film classics. These are blended with the director’s own unique traits, notably his visuals and a restrained but potent streak of violence. It has more in common with his earlier works such as Cronos and Pan’s Labyrinth than his more recent, larger budget endeavors focusing on the nature of human tragedy and emotion, and is all the more successful as a result. It’s a vibrant blend of romance, horror, and intrigue.
The Package
Crimson Peak is an exercise in sumptuousness. Every frame is crammed with exquisite period detail, including the costumes, set design, ghost effects, and more. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen more than earns his pay check bringing del Toro’s vision to the screen. Thankfully, this release does the film justice. The Blu-ray has wonderful image quality showing off the production. Deep blacks, vibrant colors, sharp details. You can get drunk soaking in the lushness of this film.
The release is also stuffed with extras. Firstly there is a commentary with co-writer/director Guillermo del Toro. Anyone who has heard the man speak knows his warmth and passion for film, and it is reinforced here with a gleeful insight into making the movie. Deleted Scenes shows five excerpts cut from the final film. Crimson Phantoms is a featurette looking at the practical effects (enhanced by CGI) that brought the supernatural portions of the film to life (death?). A Primer on Gothic Romance outlines what viewers should expect from this movie genre.
Fittingly, most of the features focus on the production design of the film. Beware of Crimson Peak has Tom Hiddleston giving a tour of the Sharpe house set. The Light and Dark of Crimson Peak contrasts the building and portrayal of the Buffalo and Allerdale locations. I Remember ‘Crimson Peak’ has cast and crew detailing specific portions of the Allerdale house that resonated with them. Hand Tailored Gothic focuses on costume design while A Living Thing showcases Allerdale Hall, the magnificent structure that dominates this film.
The Bottom Line
Crimson Peak has the feel of an old-fashioned period piece fused to a supernatural Gothic mystery, a familiar and yet a very distinct piece of work. If the substance doesn’t entertain you, there is more than enough style to satisfy. A macabre romance with an undeniable del Toro flourish. A resplendent treat.
Crimson Peak is available on DVD and Blu-ray from February 9th, 2016.