10 Years Later, Charlie Hunnam Is Still the Best Part of Guillermo del Toro’s Forgotten Gothic Cult Classic

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Charlie Hunnam is famous for his acclaimed role in *Sons of Anarchy*, but he’s recently gaining attention for a very different kind of performance. He’s captivating audiences with his unsettling portrayal of the real-life serial killer Ed Gein in *Monster: The Ed Gein Story*, a role that inspired many horror films. Beyond these standout performances, Hunnam also has several lesser-known roles that deserve more recognition.

As a huge fan of gothic horror, I absolutely adore the 2015 film *Crimson Peak*, but it feels like it’s sadly been overlooked by most people. While it wasn’t one of Guillermo del Toro’s biggest hits, I still think it’s one of the most beautifully atmospheric and genuinely fun gothic horror movies out there. And honestly, I think Charlie Hunnam’s performance gets unfairly dismissed – he’s often seen as just a supporting character, but he really delivers and deserves more recognition for his work in this fantastic film.

Alan McMichael Had an Important Role In Crimson Peak

As a big fan of gothic romance, I always found *Crimson Peak* fascinating. It’s a story Guillermo del Toro co-wrote, and he really built this incredible, spooky atmosphere with a touch of the supernatural and, of course, romance. The story kicks off with Edith Cushing, a young writer from a well-to-do family, getting swept off her feet by this intriguing Englishman, Sir Thomas Sharpe, who’s hoping to get her father to fund his project. Things get complicated quickly when her father discovers Sharpe is broke and tries to pay him off to stay away from Edith. Sadly, that doesn’t work out, and her father dies under mysterious circumstances. Then, Sharpe conveniently steps in to comfort Edith, and they end up getting married and moving to his family’s crumbling estate, Allerdale Hall, way out in the English countryside.

Edith is deeply disturbed to discover the estate’s grounds are called “Crimson Peak,” a name her deceased mother warned her about. As strange events unfold and ghostly figures attempt to contact her at Allerdale Hall, Edith starts investigating the history of Thomas and his sister, Lucille. She shockingly uncovers their scheme: they lure wealthy women into marrying the baronet, then poison them after gaining control of their fortunes. Edith herself has been poisoned and must use her intelligence and a connection with Thomas’s deceased wife to outwit the murderous siblings and escape Allerdale Hall.

The most memorable character is arguably Alan McMichael, played by Charlie Hunnam. He’s Edith’s childhood friend who returns to Buffalo to start his medical practice. He seems heartbroken when Edith falls for Thomas Sharpe, but quickly becomes determined to protect her. After discovering Thomas’s troubled past – including multiple marriages and the suspicion surrounding his previous wife’s death – Alan rushes from New York to England. Even when facing overwhelming odds and finding Edith injured at Allerdale Hall, he bravely tries to rescue her.

In a tragic turn of events, Lucille attacks Alan with a knife and convinces Thomas to join her, preventing Alan from being the hero he intended. Despite this, he bravely rushed to help his friend, trying to protect her from the dangerous people she’d unintentionally surrounded herself with. Importantly, Alan doesn’t fall into the stereotype of a male hero who refuses help from a woman; he willingly accepts Edith’s assistance when she confronts Lucille and Thomas. Though he doesn’t defeat the villains himself, Alan deserves recognition as a truly heroic character: he fearlessly defended someone and humbly allowed someone else to help him when he was vulnerable.

This Is Far Different From What Hunnam Is Known For

He’s known for taking on challenging and unexpected roles, and that’s been a hallmark of his career. Recently, he’s surprised audiences with his performance as the notorious serial killer in Netflix’s *Monster: The Ed Gein Story*. This unsettling true story has influenced many famous horror films, like *The Texas Chain Saw Massacre*, *The Silence of the Lambs*, and *Psycho*, making it a particularly difficult role for any actor. Taking on a real person known for such terrible acts is always risky, as viewers may forever associate the actor with this disturbing character.

Ed Gein is infamous for his disturbing crimes, including murder and years of grave robbing. He exhumed bodies, particularly those of women who resembled his mother, and used their remains to create objects like masks and lamps. While the TV miniseries *Monster: The Ed Gein Story* took creative liberties, actor Hunnam received praise for his portrayal of this terrifying criminal, even considering the controversial nature of the show.

Charlie Hunnam is best known for playing Jax Teller in the TV series *Sons of Anarchy*. The show followed a motorcycle club involved in criminal activities like gun running and drug dealing, and constantly battling rival gangs. Jax was a fascinating character because he struggled to do the right thing while remaining fiercely loyal to his club, which often led to violent and terrible outcomes. This role lasted for many years and became Hunnam’s defining performance, establishing him as an actor who excels at portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Because of Charlie Hunnam’s versatility, it’s especially noteworthy how director Guillermo del Toro cast him in roles like Alan McMichael in *Crimson Peak*. Hunnam is often recognized for playing similar types of characters, but he’s also demonstrated he can handle a wide range of projects and genres. Though Alan McMichael is a supporting character in the film’s haunting gothic story, Hunnam’s performance made the role memorable. He excels at playing strong, even dangerous characters, but he also proves he can convincingly portray gentler, more romantic figures.

Underrated Heroes Need to Be Highlighted More

We often picture heroes as strong fighters or clever strategists, like James Bond or Jon Snow. But many shows and movies challenge this idea with unexpected heroes. For example, Dexter Morgan, the main character in *Dexter*, is a serial killer who still manages to be seen as a hero because he only targets other criminals. Similarly, Elle Woods from *Legally Blonde* is considered heroic for overcoming stereotypes and becoming a successful lawyer, even helping her clients win difficult cases.

It’s understandable why audiences enjoy stories where unexpected characters become heroes. In the film *Crimson Peak*, Edith is clearly a heroine, starting as innocent and impressionable, but quickly learning to recognize danger. She uses clues to realize those around her are manipulating and trying to kill her. However, Alan McMichael is also heroic, even though he can’t ultimately save Edith from the villain’s cruelty. He stands by her side as she escapes, providing vital support when she needs it most.

While not all of the actor’s roles have been hits, many people remember him for standout performances even when the movie itself wasn’t great. The film *Crimson Peak* received mixed reviews, but has since become a beloved classic of the Gothic horror genre. Though his performance isn’t always the first thing people think of when discussing this overlooked Guillermo del Toro film, it’s a hidden highlight within an already underappreciated masterpiece.

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2025-10-20 05:41