"Crimson Peak" Review - Written by Tim Hellman

'CRIMSON PEAK': Four Stars (Out of Five)

Director Guillermo del Toro's new epic Gothic romance/ghost story; starring Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston and Charlie Hunnam (who also starred in del Toro's last film, 'PACIFIC RIM'). It tells the story of a young author, on the run from a tragic family past, who marries a stranger. She then moves in with him, and his sister, in a house that appears to be haunted. The film was written by del Toro and Matthew Robbins (who also co-wrote the popular 90s horror flick 'MIMIC', with del Toro). It's been praised by critics and moviegoers alike; including beloved horror author Stephen King, and his son Joe Hill (who called the movie "del Toro's blood-soaked 'AGE OF INNOCENCE'"!). I enjoyed the film quite a bit, and especially found it to be visually stunning!

The story takes place at the end of the 19th century; in Cumbria, England. Edith Cushing (Wasikowska) is a young author, with a dark family past. She meets Sir Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston), and immediately falls for him. The two are married, and Edith moves in with him and his sister, Lady Lucille Sharpe (Chastain). There's something not right about the Sharpe siblings though, and there's definitely something not right about their home; which appears to be inhabited by ghosts.

The movie has some awesome atmosphere, and extremely cool looking ghosts; the CGI is so well done though, that it does make the film feel a little less creepy (than it probably could have been). The story isn't that interesting and it's also really slow-paced; until the end. The climax makes the whole movie worthwhile though, in my opinion; so if you have the patience to wait for it, it's definitely worth it. Chastain gives an awesome domineering femme fatale performance and Hiddleston is good too. Wasikowska isn't one of my favorite actresses; but she does make a good, innocent and naive type, heroine. Del Toro is definitely the reason to see the movie though; it's not one of his best, but he also definitely doesn't disappoint. It kind of feels like a Tim Burton movie, to me; just with a slightly different visual style, and mood.