An instant classic of the gothic horror genre, Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak (2015) brings class, style, substance, and production values back to the horror genre in a big way. No found footage here. This is good old-fashioned, big budget horror, the likes of which we haven’t seen in theaters for a long time and it’s long overdue.
If there’s one fault here, it’s the predictable story and pacing. But if you understand what I believe Del Toro is going for, using inspiration from films like The Innocents (1961) and The Haunting (1963) as well as all kinds of references to Italian horror and Victorian-era conventions, then Crimson Peak is spot on even down to the exposition-spouting ending. In a lot of ways, Crimson Peak is like an updated Hammer Horror film. And the script, acting, and pacing fit perfectly when viewed from that perspective.
The acting is fabulous with an especially standout performance by Jessica Chastain. She sells her character 100%. I should also mention that the female characters are handled very well here, no damsels in distress to be found. The imagery and creature designs are as beautiful as you’d expect from Del Toro and the art direction & costumes, just…wow. Every frame is a gorgeous splash of color and creativity.
I implore you to go see this film, support it, put your dollars towards a horror film with an actual budget and help tell Hollywood we want more original stories like this.