Crimson Peak is not normally my kind of movie
genre – gothic romance/horror. However, the cast list is stellar and it is directed by Guillermo del Toro, who is a genius. Indeed, the film is lush and
the settings are fabulous. The creepy house is worthy of an Oscar as it looms
over a sparse countryside. Inside is another story – things go bump in the
night and very dark misty ghosts haunt the corridor. Let’s just say, “Don’t
drink the tea that’s served in the house.” (spoiler alert – how much
poison will kill you?)
So, Mia Wasikowska (a stellar young actress) falls hard for
dreamy Tom Hiddleston’s Baron. Her father frowns and has a private
investigator check into some shady dealings. It’s the late 1800’s and basically
the father calls Thomas out at a ball. Well, alas, the dad ends up dead at his
private club, Mia is an heiress, and she’s able to marry and move to the
estate. Hoorah for true love. Boo for Dad’s death. Hoorah for true love. Boo
for the creepy sister (a very severe Jessica Chastain) who comes with the
house. Oh Mia – so naïve, so young, so eager to be friends with the sister and
asks for a set of keys to all rooms. What? You dare to think you
can roam this house freely and uncover its secrets?
Where money is involved, trouble follows, and Mia slowly
figures out she’s a pawn in an evil game. The creepy factor is high and Crimson
Peak offers a good scary ride in time for Halloween. Is it a tad
predictable? Yes. However, I knew what I was in for when I paid my cheap
matinee price. I was scared just right and came home to put on all the lights
in the house. Rattle a key or two and explore the basement. You never know what
bones will turn up.
Boo!
