Goth horror is a unique genre. A delicious blend that has the ability to transport audiences to a fantasy world where everything is possible and the laws of the world as we know it don’t always apply. In today’s episode of Lost and Found, we’re delving into one such film that’s equal parts spine-chilling and visually stunning – Crimson Peak. Yes, the 2015 gothic horror romance from the ever-imaginative mind of Guillermo del Toro. Now, if you haven’t seen it yet, you’re in for a treat. So grab your tea and let’s dive into the hauntingly stunning world of Crimson Peak.

The film takes us back to the turn of the 20th century, blending the dark, twisted elegance of gothic horror with a romance that’ll leave you mesmerised. The story follows Edith, played by the talented Mia Wasikowska, who is swept away to a mysterious and decaying mansion in England after marrying the enigmatic Thomas Sharpe, played by Tom Hiddleston. But this isn’t your average spooky haunted house. The mansion itself, Allerdale Hall, is practically a living, breathing character, with blood-red clay oozing from the walls and secrets lurking in every corner.

When Crimson Peak first hit theatres, many expected it to be a straightforward horror film but this was a more layered affair. Yes, there are ghosts and spine-tingling moments. But this isn’t your typical jump-scare horror. It’s like a beautiful, tragic, and terrifying love letter to classic gothic tales like Wuthering Heights and Rebecca.

Tom Hiddleston, as the brooding Thomas Sharpe, is magnetic – a perfect blend of charm and menace. Then there’s Jessica Chastain as Lucille Sharpe, his sister, who delivers one of the most chilling performances on screen till date. Her intensity just builds throughout the film, making you feel more and more uneasy with each scene. And of course, Mia Wasikowska brings vulnerability and strength to Edith, our protagonist who isn’t your typical damsel in distress. She’s smart, determined, and not afraid to fight for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against her.

Above all, this is a visual treat, like most works of Guillermo del Toro. The mastermind behind Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water delivers a feast for the eyes and every frame of this film is meticulously crafted – from the intricate Victorian costumes to the breathtaking set design. The mansion itself feels like it’s crumbling beneath the weight of its own history, full of secrets and ghosts that refuse to be forgotten.

But before you press that play button, be warned that this is a slow-burn suspense and not a film that rushes to terrify you. It takes its time, building a world rich in emotion, tension, and mystery. Love, loss, the corruption of innocence, and the haunting grip of the past would cover the central theme of this film. In a world where we often search for instant gratification, Crimson Peak dares to give us a story that unfolds with careful precision, inviting us to become fully immersed in its chilling world.

It’s well-known that Del Toro is a director who loves his monsters. But in Crimson Peak, the true monsters aren’t the ghosts that appear in the hallways. They’re the people. The horrors of this film come from human greed, jealousy, and obsession. The film’s release back in 2015 may have left some scratching their heads because it wasn’t just a horror film – it was a gothic romance, an artful throwback to a genre that has almost disappeared in recent years.

So, if you’re looking for a film that blends beauty with terror, romance with tragedy, and leaves you thinking about it days later, then Crimson Peak is for you. It’s visually stunning, emotionally charged, and utterly unique and it’s available to stream on Jio Cinema.

Written by Kunal Guha

# TomHiddleston     # JessicaChastain     # GuillermodelToro