Rating of
2/4
Stunning, Slightly Hollow
Unknown - wrote on 11/01/15
'Crimson Peak' is a visual masterclass in gothic horror. The film is oozing with that cold, dark, mysterious atmosphere and look. It's hard not to appreciate an excellent return to the 'old house' supernatural horror films from the 40's and 50's, in which the house itself is almost like the main character. There's so much rich detail in the sets and spacial effects. The world of this film is hauntingly inviting. I just wish there was more haunting to be had. Very few scenes at all actually involve the ghosts, which is a shame considering they are mostly creepy. I still felt minor chills in the ghost's limited screen-time despite them being obvious CG creations. There's only just enough suspense to actually consider this film in the horror category. The majority of it is more of a gothic romance/mystery. Coming from that angle, the story could've been much better written. The mystery is the driving force of the plot. I had everything figured out literally at the beginning. The who and why is just way too obvious. It took away from my enjoyment. I admire the visual craft so much. I wish I had liked the rest of film on that same level.
