Discussing Trailers: Crimson Peak

What do you get when you cross one of horror's most creative writers, an actress who wasn't so fantastic in her last role, and the darling of the indie-movie-scene across the pond? Short answer, Crimson Peak, long answer, a film I haven't felt this much excitement for since the Harry Potter Franchise.

Crimson Peak looks to be the latest horror-thriller from aclaimed director, Guillermo del Toro. Since he's the one who put together Pan's Labyrinth, Hellboy, and, most recently, Pacific Rim, I can wager a guess that this movie will be visusally awesome, and disturbing. Very disturbing.

Set in Cumbria, England, late 19th century, young author Edith Cushing (played by Mia Wasikowska) has been dealing with ghosts most of her life. A combined synposis read of Wikipedia and IMDB says that things go dark when Edith married Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) and discovers that her new house is harboring dark, forboding secrets beneath it and in the walls. 

So, what do I think of the trailer?

My first thoughts are that we started the scary train far too early. The first thing we see is a house that looks reminicient of Beetlejuice, surrounded by dark snow and traces of blood. The next scene is Mr. Sharpe marrying Edith, spoiling any and all surprise that something a'int right here.  Just imagine the feelings of seeing this happy couple tie the knot, than followed by the slow reveal of The Big Bad Dark Secret. Afterall, I'm assuming that's the road the movie wants to take, right?

My second thoughts are on the ususal features of the Gothic Novel. We have the creepy house with a dark secret (a la Fall of the House of Usher)we have the doomed Lady In White (think Elizabeth from Frankenstien) and we have the supernatural element, which feels like the cherry on the sundae at this point.  This feels like Tim Burton on some serious steriods, at least before he started produce more "weird' and less "gothy."

But let's talk about the big reason a chunk of my fellow female population may see this one: Mr. Hiddleston. While he's known these days more for playing the trickster prince Loki from Thor and The Avengers, this isn't the first time he's been in something this dark. He played a Vampire in Only Lovers Left Alive in 2013, a horror romance that got some raving positive reviews. Considering that one also had Wasikowska in the lead, it promises two things: one, Tom can do scary, two, these two should have some believable chemistry.

Also it looks like he's playing the villain again. It will never cease to amuse me that an actor with a reputation for being one of the nicest people alive keeps portraying scary people.

So that's all we can gleam until the film comes out. It's due in theaters October 12th, and I give my encouragement to everyone to check it out. Everyone should be brave enough to see at least one scary film this October, and this is the one it should be.