In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds...and remembers.
A curious hybrid of grim fairytale and gory horror, del Toro’s ninth feature is striking but sorely lacking in surprises. Great ghosts, but del Toro is capable of so much more.
It may be a little overwrought for some tastes, borderline camp at points, but if you're partial to a bit of Victorian romance with Hammer horror gloop and big, frilly night-gowns, GDT delivers an uncommon treat.
It's no instant classic then, but this tale of bleeding love stands tall as one of the most visually striking films in years.
Guillermo del Toro’s showmanship is evident from the off in this addictively watchable, macabre Hitchcockian fantasy.
The problem here is that the film-makers throw too many elements into the mix.
The central trio ensure you remain happily caught in the web of Crimson Peak even as you hesitate between laughing at it and just enjoying the ride.
It is under-plotted and preposterous but quite fun.
Guillermo del Toro returns to his roots with a sumptuous horror steeped in 19th-century fiction and classic cinema.
Crimson Peak: how Guillermo del Toro sketched its visual style
Guillermo del Toro: 'I try to tell you a story with eye-protein, not eye-candy'
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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