Crimson Peak: The Gothic Romance That Broke My Heart (And Why You Need To See It)

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Reflecting on Guillermo del Toro’s movie “Crimson Peak,” it’s often noted that what started as a box office flop transformed into a cult classic. However, for me, this production serves as an introduction to a subgenre I’ve since become quite fond of – gothic romance. As we eagerly anticipate del Toro’s 2025 take on “Frankenstein,” now seems fitting to explore the reasons behind its creation and how films like “Nosferatu” have built upon its foundation.

Before we dive in, I’d like to let you know that the content ahead is filled with plot details or surprises, in other words, it’s full of spoilers. However, if you haven’t watched “Crimson Peak”, consider yourself fortunate! Peacock subscribers can enjoy this Mia Wasikowska-led gem on their own, and they also have the opportunity to create a double feature with Robert Eggers’ latest vampire story.

Crimson Peak’s Deceptive Marketing Was A Slight Blessing In Disguise

If you struggled with novels like “Wuthering Heights” or “Jane Eyre” in high school English, you might not have found “Crimson Peak” appealing unless one of the reasons Guillermo del Toro cites for the movie’s poor box office performance resonated with you. To elaborate on that idea, here’s a trailer that sparked fear:

[Insert Teaser Trailer Link Here]

As a movie buff, I couldn’t help but feel the trailer for Crimson seemed to hint at eerie specters and potential possession. It appears many other viewers shared this impression, which might have contributed to its underperformance at the box office. To be fair, marketing del Toro’s follow-up to Pacific Rim as a full-blown horror experience was certainly misleading, but I must admit it piqued my curiosity.

Edith Cushing’s Story Is A Tragic Romance With Horror Touches

In essence, by this stage, we had grown accustomed to the unique, grandiose style of films directed by Guillermo del Toro. Consequently, it was reasonable to assume that the movie “Crimson Peak” would deliver something as extraordinary as “Hellboy”, but in a historical setting. Yet, contrary to expectations, this film primarily focused on a deeply personal human drama involving the actors Jessica Chastain, Tom Hiddleston, and Mia Wasikowska.

To put it simply, young Edith Cushing (Wasikowska) and her relationship with Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) is deeply tragic. When you reach the movie’s climactic revelation about Allerdale Hall, a sense of sadness pervades the entire film, affecting every character without exception.

Delving into old records a while ago, I managed to retrieve the audio from the movie’s press conference I attended in 2015. Among the wealth of data, I found these words by del Toro, as he articulated his perception of the genuine romance embedded within this story.

Typically, it’s Fabio who saves these ladies, leading them to a cliff edge, where they embark on a voyage to the enchanting Romantic Island. For me, the captivating love story of Edith stands out. She discovers the art of self-preservation and learning to cherish herself.

From now on, let’s delve deeper into some plot details, so if you’d prefer to steer clear of spoilers, this is your last chance before reading my 2015 review of “Crimson Peak”. For those who wish to continue, we can start discussing the ghostly apparitions.

The Ghosts Aren’t The Villains Of Crimson Peak

As a movie enthusiast and a fan of Guillermo del Toro’s work, I can’t help but notice that his films always seem to have a hint of the extraordinary. After all, the man himself wrote a book called “At Home With Monsters,” so it’s no surprise that we find something otherworldly in his creations. And while the ghost story that inspired “Crimson Peak” may be a real-life tale, its spirits don’t exist to cause harm; instead, they coexist with us, adding an enchanting layer to his already captivating narratives.

In this narrative, Edith’s unique gift of perceiving spirits doesn’t cause fear; on the contrary. The ghosts of individuals who met their untimely ends at the hands of the sinful Sharpe siblings, including her mother who passed away, serve not to frighten her but rather as a safeguard, guiding her to avoid sharing the fate of these unfortunate victims.

If warning from her mother doesn’t persuade her to leave, Thomas’ spectral wives present concrete proof of the events happening all along, serving not just to confuse our young female character, but also to protect her from the sinister forces trying to exploit her.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Latin Influences Feel Like Taking Part In My Own Roots

In the movie, Lucille Sharpe, portrayed by Chastain, delivers one of the most impactful lines when she describes her love for her brother as a form of “romance” that has the power to transform us into monsters. This sentiment, though deeply personal, is relatable on a global scale. It reminds me of Guillermo del Toro’s comments at the press conference about his creative process for this film. In essence, he was saying…

I don’t just identify with my heritage; I embody it. It’s challenging for me to create a film that doesn’t reflect my Mexican identity, because I am genuinely Mexican… My artistic inclination towards melodramas of gothic romance quality stems from its emotional intensity, which resonates deeply with me as a Latin person. The dramatic elements, such as intense emotions and violent acts, reflect the passionate nature common among Latins.

I recognize that Latinx individuals are diverse, not one homogeneous group; however, there’s a recurring portrayal in fiction known as the “Latin temperament.” The director of The Shape of Water, incorporating this influence, seems to have crafted an installment reminiscent of The Gilded Age. As a lover of stories and someone with Latinx heritage, this brings me joy. Additionally, it provides insight into why my father and I share fondness for the romantic narrative in Gone with the Wind.

Crimson Peak’s Outlook On Love Is A Refreshing Contrast Of Victorian Tradition

In closing, I’d like to pass on one last insight from the press tour. It emphasizes what particularly resonates with me about this story, thanks to Guillermo del Toro’s expertise in Victorian drama. During our discussion, he shed light on how fiction of that period approached the topic of sex and why challenging those conventions was essential:

This way, we can convey the same information while making it more accessible for readers.

During the time of Victorian elegance, when gothic romance was at its height, discussions about love were considered taboo, making it a covert theme. In our current era, which seems detached and impersonal, love is often reduced to something cheesy or clichéd. I find it intriguing to explore a modern take on gothic romance, one that delves into the true essence of love, questions its nature, and shifts the focus towards a more female-centric, politically charged perspective.

Refreshing and modernizing an age-old storytelling method, infusing it with a generous dose of grisly scenes and emotional turmoil, is no simple feat. A deft touch is essential to accomplish such a task, as demonstrated by Robert Eggers’ skillful handling of the remake of Nosferatu. I must say, Guillermo del Toro would undoubtedly appreciate the enduring impact that Crimson Peak continues to have on me, just as powerful as when I first watched it.

Reading Frankenstein while ill during my junior year initially peeked my interest in gothic romance. Edith’s struggle for survival significantly expanded this fascination for me, paving the way for future enjoyment. Realizing this in 2025 is particularly fitting, as Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Mary Shelley’s timeless tale is scheduled to premiere on Netflix sometime during that year.

It’s high time to delve deeper into the sub-genre since I am gearing up for future events. If you haven’t yet explored the mysteries, the chilling horror, and the delicate romance that Crimson Peak provides, then you no longer have an excuse to not do so.

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2025-03-01 00:08