Colin’s review published on Letterboxd:
Guillermo doing what Guillermo does best; craft a dark gothic fantasy story.
I found the characters rather dull. Though, Mia Wasikowska does a solid job and Jessica Chastain surely is menacing. If anything Tom Hiddleston is quite charming and was the most interesting character here. The needed chemistry between the leads wasn't quite there for me either. Still pleasant together though. Charlie Hunnam is a solid addition and I note the familiar Jonathan Hyde and Burn Gorman.
Despite that I still enjoyed the gothic romance. Its ghost story felt better integrated here than in 'The Devil's Backbone' though still not quite the main story. It's still very interesting to follow, and boasts good danger, frightening scares and some surprising reveals.
Obviously its gothic aesthetics are gorgeous. It drips off the frames. The red here absolutely pops, regardless if its clay, or blood, or both. Particularly when its juxtaposed with the white wintery scenery. The ghosts are wicked and awesome; love their red, ethereal design. Also the eccentric, dilapidated mansion is such a great setting. It contributed to the overall atmosphere and invoked a sense of dread and mystery.
Very much a Del Toro movie in style, but also in presentation and story. It has all the elements I like to see from in. Other than the visuals its not quite his peak work, but suitably gothic and enjoyable.
Ranking: Director Guillermo del Toro
Ranked: 2023 movies - #111
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