This 2015 Horror Tale Starring Tom Hiddleston Is Guillermo del Toro’s Most Beautiful Film

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The sheer beauty of “Crimson Peak” might have been enough on its own. However, Guillermo del Toro’s Gothic romance, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, offers much more than just visual appeal – it showcases breathtaking artistry throughout its entire production, from the costumes and sets to the ghostly apparitions. Re-watching it now (available for viewing through Universal Pictures Home Entertainment), it continues to be a treat for the senses.

Despite his penchant for stunning visuals and an ardent appreciation for the intricacies of genre films, del Toro is never satisfied with merely decorating the screen with attractive elements and eerie designs. While such elements are always present, del Toro also has a profound, heartfelt commitment to the character development, plot, and emotional depth that breathe life into his beloved films. The movie “Crimson Peak” might be the most evident demonstration in his entire body of work where he successfully combines all these aspects, creating a piece that feels both timelessly classic and strikingly modern.

Reflecting on it now, ten years since its debut, it’s evident that among Guillermo del Toro’s numerous stunning films, none surpasses this one in terms of grand, awe-inspiring elegance. Just like the house at its core, it’s a Gothic marvel, and though it may not be Del Toro’s top film, it serves as an exemplary lesson on crafting a comprehensive cinematic narrative.

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Why Crimson Peak works so well

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In interviews leading up to the release of the movie, Guillermo del Toro made it clear that he saw “Crimson Peak” not as a traditional horror or haunted house film, but rather as a romantic Gothic tale, paying homage to the classic elements of the genre while still bringing a fresh, contemporary feel. From the start, the story features typical Gothic elements: Mia Wasikowska plays Edith, a young woman with grand ambitions who falls for the enigmatic and occasionally unsettling nobleman Thomas, portrayed by Tom Hiddleston. Shortly after their whirlwind romance, he takes her to his crumbling English mansion, where his secretive sister Lucille (Jessica Chastain) harbors a hidden past.

Initially, when collaborating with his co-writer Matthew Robbins, Del Toro carefully establishes essential elements that greatly enhance “Crimson Peak”. The story incorporates the traditional Gothic romance trope of a mysterious man leading a young woman to an aged mansion. However, Edith is portrayed as a writer of ghost stories, not just fascinated by the mystical allure but also eager to explore it, seeking truth. In fact, Edith isn’t passively waiting for a man to take her away; she has her own aspirations and ambitions, which become increasingly crucial as the plot demands her to make decisive choices for her survival. Furthermore, being a writer allows Edith to serve as a vehicle for Del Toro to express his thoughts on the genre he’s working within.

As a devotee, I can’t help but be captivated by the house nestled on a crimson-hued mountain, once a source of wealth for the family of Thomas and Lucille. Though their prosperity has faded, the house persists, albeit sinking gradually into the red clay, its walls staining, basement brimming with hazardous clay pits, and ceiling dotted with holes. The title’s “Crimson Peak” is more than fitting, as winter snow transforms the mountain into a gory spectacle, turning it blood-red, making the landscape appear like an ever-bleeding wound. It might not be subtle, but its Gothic charm in modern horror cinema is undeniably gratifying.

In Guillermo del Toro’s film, “Crimson Peak,” various elements, such as Lucille’s presence, the human-like behavior of ghosts, and other intricacies, come together in a remarkably harmonious manner. This seamless blend creates an initial impression of effortlessness, yet upon closer inspection, each detail proves crucial to the overall storyline. For instance, Edith’s endeavors to write ghost stories and every spectral character that appears have significant roles. The sets, costumes, props, and other aspects aren’t mere components; they form the very essence of the narrative. To del Toro, it’s all part of a larger jigsaw puzzle within the horror genre, making “Crimson Peak” a captivating spectacle that invites viewers to dissect its deliberate, often flamboyant design choices. Thus, the film serves as an educational platform for understanding why each decision was made, how it contributes to the plot, and glimpsing into del Toro’s creative mind. For these reasons, among others, “Crimson Peak” stands out as a vital contribution to 21st-century horror cinema.

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2025-02-27 21:32