In 2015, Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro released Crimson Peak, a distinct entry in the horror genre that stands apart even today. Featuring leading performances from Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain, the film embodies del Toro’s unique vision and deep understanding of gothic storytelling, yet it struggled to find wide recognition upon release.
Now marking its tenth anniversary, Crimson Peak remains undervalued, with disappointing box office returns making its current status as a cult classic even more significant. Its complex narrative and striking visuals invite a closer look at why this film, often overlooked, deserves renewed appreciation within gothic horror and the broader cinematic landscape.
The Storyline Behind Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak
Crimson Peak centers on Edith Cushing, a young Victorian-era woman who channels her recurring supernatural encounters into her writing career. Haunted since childhood by her mother’s ghost, Edith is warned with a chilling phrase that shapes the story: “Beware of Crimson Peak.”
The plot intensifies when Thomas Sharpe, a charismatic Englishman accompanied by his enigmatic sister Lucille, arrives seeking investment for his mining invention. Despite Edith’s attraction to Thomas, her father Carter distrusts the newcomers and soon meets a violent death after investigating their history.
Ignoring danger, Edith marries Thomas and moves to Allerdale Hall, the dilapidated Sharpe family mansion, ominously sinking into red clay. Thomas explains the mansion’s nickname, Crimson Peak, tied to the staining earth beneath. Edith’s mother’s warning echoes ominously as strange illnesses and hauntings grow, leading Edith to uncover terrifying truths about the Sharpe family and the mansion’s dark past.
Challenges and Division Surrounding Crimson Peak’s Reception
The making of Crimson Peak was anything but straightforward. Guillermo del Toro collaborated with American New Wave screenwriter Matthew Robbins on the script during the mid-2000s but postponed production to complete other projects like Hellboy II and Pacific Rim. When del Toro finally directed the film, he aimed to craft a grand haunted house movie that revived a fading subgenre of horror.
Despite having all elements for success—an impressive cast, atmospheric setting, and a clear passion for gothic horror—the film divided audiences and critics alike. Rotten Tomatoes ratings reflect this split, with critics offering a 72% approval contrasted by only 56% from general viewers. While many appreciated its beauty and craftsmanship, others struggled with its slow-building tension and refusal to conform to contemporary horror trends.
Del Toro himself prefers to call the film a Gothic romance rather than a straightforward horror movie, acknowledging its focus on mood, story, and aesthetics before shock and gore. Yet, as ghostly horrors escalate, the film embraces horror tropes while delivering a unique, deliberate narrative pacing uncommon in modern scares.
Del Toro’s Visually Stunning Modern Take on Gothic Horror
One of Crimson Peak’s most striking features is its visual artistry. The film defies horror conventions by showcasing a lush color palette that enhances its chilling atmosphere rather than relying on darkness or bleakness. The recurring use of red and crimson hues throughout the story symbolizes looming violence and tragedy, weaving a visual narrative alongside the plot.
The mansion itself echoes classic haunted house films, with Allerdale Hall serving as a character steeped in decay and mystery. Influences from iconic works like Jack Clayton’s The Innocents are evident, as Edith takes on a role reminiscent of the governess Miss Giddens, navigating spectral secrets within an unsettling home. In this way, the film stands among rare contemporary examples of the gothic horror subgenre, sharing lineage with titles such as The Others and The Haunting.
Although del Toro stresses the romance aspect, the film’s conclusion unleashes intense violence and visceral horror, linking gothic melancholy to graphic elements that modern audiences may find more familiar. This blend demonstrates del Toro’s commitment to honoring his cinematic inspirations while pushing boundaries with a more explicit portrayal of fear and dread.
Current Viewing Options for Guillermo del Toro’s Crimson Peak
At present, Crimson Peak is not available on any streaming service for subscribers. The film can be rented or purchased digitally through various online platforms. Previously, it was accessible on Netflix, indicating the possibility of its return during seasonal periods, particularly around Halloween.
For those wanting to experience this underrated gothic horror film, obtaining a physical copy or buying it digitally remains the most reliable option. Fans and newcomers alike can immerse themselves in del Toro’s haunting world and appreciate the film’s artistry firsthand.
