Nick J

Very solid script that tells a well known story with a slow burn. Benicio Del Toro acting so captivating - acting perfection. Satisfying and surprising direction. Excellent movie.

Paul Thomas Anderson has directed a film worthy of cinephiles; Phantom Thread is a lush film, with masterful cinematography and an early French film sensibility. Shots are often framed as portraits, and the use of color gives the production a large-than-life feel. The speed of the film is also used to reflect the mind of the brilliant, yet easily bored Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis), one of the most sought after dress makers in London. Reynolds is as eccentric as he is obsessive, with countless rules, which all must follow under his roof. His sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) enforces these rules, and also acts as messenger to the many women rejected by her brother, when they no longer inspire him. She is as possessive of Reynolds as he is of living an orderly existence. When Alma (Vicky Krieps) enters Reynolds life, she becomes enchanted with the fashion icon, but refuses to follow his rules. The love affair that follows turns the house upside down, and yet, through that tumult Reynolds finds inspiration to create. But the chaos also threatens to destroy him. Alma disrupts his inner world, and evokes a crisis of identity, which ultimately forces Reynolds to choose between his old life, or something new. Phantom Thread is an exceptional film and one of Day-Lewis' best performances. Highly recommend.