Emily Harris

Emily Harris

Introduction

I have always been avid fan of the Victorian/early Edwardian era and their gothic elements illustrated within films. Thus, after rewatching some familiar favourites, as well viewing many I had not previously seen, I decided to take on the task of reviewing my winter watches.

Frankenstein (2025)

🎥 Guillermo del Toro

This absolutely ravishing movie reintroduced my adoration for gothic horror. Whilst not completely true to the book, this adaptation is much more faithful than previous versions, such as, the beloved 1931 ‘Frankenstein’ film. The costume design of the monster in the 2025 version is extremely realistic and Jacob Elordi’s portrayal is flawless. He proves his versatility by taking on the challenge of such a complex role. I felt copious amounts of sympathy for the monster as I did when I read the book as a teenager. Furthermore, the cinematography is captivating and effectively illustrates the gothic nature of the Victorian era. Thus, this is a film I highly recommend viewing.

Nosferatu (2024)

🎥 Robert Eggers

Unfortunately, this film did not fully meet my expectations, however, I am not particularly fond of many of Robert Eggars’ projects, such as, ‘The Northman’ and ‘The Lighthouse’. Sadly, I find these movies as well as ‘Nosferatu’ to be incredibly slow paced. On the contrary, the cinematography is spectacular and I relish the application of the desaturated colours. These effects allow the tone of the film to be perfectly gothic. Additionally, the acting is impressive, especially Lily-Rose Depp’s performance, as well as Bill Skarsgård’s portrayal of Count Orlok. Regrettably, these positive elements cannot redeem the overall dullness of the movie, which also glorifies a story that was stolen from Bram Stoker’s groundbreaking novel, ‘Dracula’.

Victor Frankenstein (2015)

🎥 Paul McGuigan

During the beginning of the film, I admired the interesting concept of Victor Frankenstein’s story transpiring from the perspective of Igor (even though, he is not a part of the novel). As the plot developed, I became increasingly more disinterested. Some of the most remarkable elements of the novel are the exchanges with Victor and the monster. There is lack of these moments within the film, as the story predominately takes place before the creation of the monster. James McAvoy’s performance, however, is excellent as he realistically portrays the great passion with Victor to defy death. Unfortunately, this could not rescue the film from its drab tedious plot and thus, I would not recommend watching this movie.

Crimson Peak (2015)

🎥 Guillermo del Toro

Despite the rather low audience scores for this film, I undeniably loved every moment. I believe the low ratings are due to the movie being marketed as more of a jump-scare horror rather than a gothic picture. The visuals are extraordinary as they perfectly encapsulate the eerie and grisly atmosphere of the Victorian era. For instance, the scenes demonstrating the red clay seeping into the snow beautifully represents the gruesome bloodshed that occurs in Crimson Peak. Additionally, the makeup and costume designs for Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston and Jessica Chastain are convingly Victorian. In particular, I adore Jessica Chastain’s fine dresses. The designs of the ghosts are also unique and interesting, with different colours representing their states. Even though, the twists are quite predictable, the film is still extremely enticing and definitely worth watching.

The Woman in Black (2012)

🎥 James Watkins

Watching this film as a child was very chilling to me and even as an adult, I am still terrified. Veiled, ghostly characters, such as, ‘The Woman in Black’ never cease to petrify me. The murdering of children is a very horrific and unspeakably evil act, which leaves you with a very sour taste. Even the mansion of the titular character itself oozes a very sinister vibe. If you’re looking for a more frightening gothic horror, I positively propose watching ‘The Woman in Black’.

Jane Eyre (2011)

🎥 Cary Joji Fukunaga

Yet another Victorian feature where Mia Wasikowska experiences a very tragic life. I experienced great sympathy for her titular character, Jane, as this film immaculately showcases how dreadful circumstances were for many Victorian women. For instance, in childhood, Jane is forced to attend severe and gritty boarding school. Later in life, men repeatedly attempt to control her decisions. There are some extremely powerful professions of love within the film, which contrast with the ghastly moments. This juxtaposition immaculately captures the essence of gothic Victorian novels and therefore, I very much approve of this film.

Dorian Gray (2009)

🎥 Oliver Parker

This film is despised by many fans of the original novel as there are many discrepancies, however, I still enjoyed my watch. There are a few aspects of this adaptation that I am not fond of, such as, the painting being very sentient. I find this slightly silly and believe the portrait would be more ominous if the film was more in subtle in its portrayal of the ongoing decaying of the portrait. Dorian should be presented as the true “monster” of the story and not the painting. Additionally, I long for a version where Dorian is shown with blonde hair, as he is described so in the book. On the contrary, I would still recommend watching this film for the iconic story of the duality of man, where the traditional Victorian gentleman persona juxtaposes against his hedonistic nighttime behaviour.

Sweeney Todd (2007)

🎥 Tim Burton

Normally, I am not extremely fond of musicals, however, I thoroughly enjoy watching this film. I adore the dark, yet whimsical aesthetic that Burton applies to all of his movies. In this tragic and unfortunate tale, he flawlessly captures the grittiness and gruesomeness of the Victorian era. Jonny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter are also perfectly casted for this film, and I can definitely understand why Burton continuously utilises them in his projects. Therefore, I strongly suggest watching this adaptation.

The Prestige (2006)

🎥 Christopher Nolan

Whilst not an extremely “gothic” movie, I could not leave out this piece of art, which is undoubtedly one of my favourite films of all time. The twists are extremely clever and Nolan masterly reveals the methods of the trick to the audience throughout, however, we are “not really looking” and “want to be fooled”. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman’s performances are also very convincing and the tricks themselves are well made/carried out.  If you are looking for more of a mystery based film, I highly recommend ‘The Prestige’.

The Illusionist (2006)

🎥 Neil Burger

I unfortunately made the mistake of watching this movie after recently re-watching ‘The Prestige’ as ‘The Illusionist’ feels very lacklustre in comparison. The CGI visuals feel quite unrealistic and are definitely no match for the practical effects used in Nolan’s masterpiece. Conversely, the story is still very intriguing and I do endorse watching this film set in the turn of the century.

Corpse Bride (2005)

🎥 Tim Burton

This is a beautiful animation crafted by the mind of Tim Burton. The style choices are very interesting as the underworld is shown in colour, however, the land of the living is portrayed in black and white. Thus, this effectively symbolises how miserable and depressing Victorian life was. I am not usually extremely fond of animated films but this bewitching Tim Burton feature always leaves me feeling entertained. This is a story of love, pain and acceptance. Furthermore, recent animated films have struggled to capture this level of maturity and significance and thus, this is a movie to treasure.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

🎥 Tim Burton

This is my final Tim Burton film on the list and one of my favourite work’s of his. The costumes and the settings are gloomy but striking. Katrina’s dresses are especially ravishing. Johnny Depp yet again perfectly plays an eccentric character. Despite the overall dark tone of the movie, there are many fun and light-hearted moments. This is another very enticing mystery based story and no matter how many times I watch this film, I am always just as intrigued. Thus, I would highly recommend watching this movie, especially around Halloween for its spooky setting.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)

🎥 Francis Ford Coppola

In spite of many divergences from the original Bram Stoker novel, this film is definitely one of my favourites on this list. The costumes are beautiful, especially Winona Ryder’s outfits. She is always very well placed in gothic films. I also very much enjoy watching Gary Oldman’s performance and his deliverance of the iconic quote, “I have crossed oceans of time to find you.” I wholeheartedly rooted for Mina and Dracula to end up together! There are a few negative aspects, such as Keanu Reeves’ strange British accent and the film itself is slightly dated, however, this does not taint my adoration for this magnificent movie. Therefore, I strongly suggest watching this 90s classic.