Review: CRIMSON PEAK Is Not What You Think
If you intend to see Crimson Peak, I'm telling you this not to dissuade you, but to prepare you:
Crimson Peak is not a horror film.
Don't worry, you aren't dense or anything. You would've had no idea, given the film's marketing.
Crimson Peak is not a "ghost story," but rather "a story about ghosts." The line comes from one of the opening scenes in which Edith (Mia Wasikowska) is explaining her novel to a publisher in her town. The book being discussed throughout the film is so incredibly meta that you feel like the opening exchange is a direct conversation the writer/director had with Universal.
"So it's a ghost story...maybe we could add romance to it?"
And thus Crimson Peak is marketed as a spooky ghost film from the bizarre monster maker of the 21st century, Guillermo del Toro, when actually this film is more akin to Pan's Labyrinth. I liked Pan's Labyrinth! However, that wasn't the kind of movie I was led to believe this was, and it wasn't what I signed on for walking into the theater.
So instead of really diving into the 18th century adult-centered fairy tale I was presented...I kept looking at my watch wondering when the scary would happen. Sure, there were a few jumps and spooks...but the jump shots I saw assured me something terrifying would be coming!
There was plenty to keep me happy while watching. The set and visuals are incredible (as always) and the contrast between how a beautiful house can look so devastatingly creepy at night was one of my favorite points of the film. I could easily see how twisted and frightening things could get down the road!
Unfortunately the big scare never happens, even though the movie features ghosts. You're watching a film with a compelling story with supernatural elements. As a frame of reference, I had trouble sleeping after watching the Insidious series; I may have jumped twice during this film and immediately went to bed upon getting home.
And no disrespect to del Toro, but I don't understand why he fought so hard to have this film rated R. To be honest, this film was PG-13 down to the one F-word dropped in the film. The only scene I could potentially see as R rated was a sex scene that wouldn't have made me blush had I watched with family. The ghosts are disturbing looking, but not nearly enough to warrant that.
Given what I know now, I can see why Universal wanted the change. This film is essentially a gothic love story. It fits right in with something you'd read from Edgar Allan Poe. If it was presented like that, I think the film would be much more well loved than what people will undoubtedly think they're going to see this weekend (ie, Loki in a horror film).
Now that I've gotten all that out of the way, let's break down performances. Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain steal the show. Everyone else essentially plays second fiddle when they are on screen, and that's not a dig on the acting...they're just that good.
I don't want you to think I hated this film — I did like it. My enjoyment was heavily marred, however, by being led to believe this film was something it wasn't. I've already read a lot of positive reviews about this film, but none are really mentioning this. My thought is if you go in knowing what this film is, you will most certainly enjoy it.