#20 - Crimson Peak (2015)

Crimson Peak (2015)

(dir. Guillermo Del Toro)

Speaking purely in terms of visual style, Del Toro is one of the best directors working today.  He really nails the gothic horror vibe here, from the elaborate sets and costumes to the amazing dilapidated old manor, dripping with clay so bright red it could be blood (well, fake blood).  The ghosts are creepy and original, with some effects that remind me of Santi in The Devil's Backbone.  There are a couple of moments of shocking brutality, which seems a little out of place with the gothic vibe, but right at home in a Del Toro film.

Ignoring the visuals, this film does leave a little to be desired.  It's a fairly standard gothic romance, and there isn't much mystery to either the ghosts or to the main plot.  The acting is very good all around, but I don't think the story is substantial enough for this movie to have any lasting power.  Not Del Toro's best film (that honor still goes to The Devil's Backbone, in my opinion), but it is a pretty solid modern gothic horror film with fantastic visuals and great acting.  Recommended, just don't expect a masterpiece.