Crimson Peak

Story: 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.

As with every Halloween there are family horror and then there is ghostly frights, Crimson Peak is such a ghostly thriller. While light on the scares, Peak does not disappoint. The film follows a young girl as she falls in love with a handsome widower but once she enters his home she realizes all may not be as it seems.

Mia Wasikowska plays Edith, a young entrepreneur who falls in love with a mysterious man by the name of Thomas, played magnificent Tom Hiddleston. The film is more of a gothic romance with some fantastic visuals, makes one feel they are watching a film by Tim Burton as there is a fair amount of blood (reminiscent of films such as Sleepy Hollow and Sweeny Todd). Jessica Chastain plays Thomas' sister Lucille, she plays the part with dark mystery. The film is the first gothic type film that I have seen and it was fantastic.

Other actors such as Charlie Hunnam and Supernatural's Jim Beaver play the parts of friend and father. While Jim (spoiler!!) doesn't last too long Charlie steps in to become a protector of sorts for Edith. Charlie holds back from being overly heroic and plays the part of the gothic type hero perfectly. Jim, with what screen time he has, plays Edith's father with his usual vigar that he had on supernatural. Mia is a little dimwitted as the heroine but eventually earns her smarts.  But my favourite is Doug Jones, who plays the part of a few ghostly ghouls. Edith's dead mother and the ghost that haunts the home of Thomas. He plays the parts with his usual ghoulish flair and it is perfect.

Visually, Crimson gives off a darkly haunting atmosphere. The set designs are tremendously beautiful. Designed to perfection Guillermo can do no wrong.

Crimson Peak is an excellent visual masterpiece wrapped around a hauntingly gothic tale with a talented cast. For fans of gothic horror this is a must see.  

Rating: A-