'Crimson Peak' A Review

Crimson Peak is a period supernatural melodrama about wealthy American Edith Cusihing(Mia Wasikowska) and her mysterious British suitor Thomas Sharpe(Tom Hiddleston). 1901 in Buffalo, NY Thomas comes to town to seek funding from Edith's father, a wealthy architect and contractor, for mining equipment he invented. He's denied however through the meeting he meets Edith and begins her seduction. After Edith's father is killed by an unknown assassin Thomas and Edith marry and retreat to his estate in England. The house is old and deteriorating and Thomas sister Lucille(Jessica Chastin) is less than cordial.

The film has a slow almost glacial pace and blends genre in a way that isn't entirely successful. Even though there are ghosts in the film and it is resplendent with Gothic imagery the actual story isn't complimented by those elements, their more of a distraction. The narrative content of the film is pure melodramatic romance, more Flowers In The Attic than The Changeling, which certainly holds interest however is somewhat of a disappointment given the macabre trappings.

The lead performances, Wasikowska and Hiddleston, are relatively confused. Their relationship comes together so quickly its unbelievable, Wasikowska seemingly doesn't even react to the sickly horrific state the ancestral house is in. Although the film feels very lethargic the emotional journey of the characters is swift to the point of incomprehension.

Incredibly rich and beautiful production elements, convoluted plot, muddy performances.

Rent It.