Manoj Bajpayees Movie Gulmohar (2023) Review + Recap, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Movie Ending Explained, High Heat (2022) Review and Ending Explained. I loved the ending, he was pretty much asking to be poisoned again. And Ive read some unfortunate stories about real people who accidentally poisoned themselves. Adam Sandler's lovelorn Barry Egan does fall hard for Emily Watson's Lena Leonard, but Barry is an odd, introverted character who only seems to come alive when Lena responds in kind to his awkwardness. When Alma poisons him initially, he's in a vulnerable position for the first time. Reynolds lacks the emotional maturity to talk to his wife like a human being, and he cant bring himself to admit how pathetically he needs her. As he readies a wedding gown for a Belgian princess, Reynolds collapses, damaging the dress and forcing his staff to work all night to repair it. By the end, even though her knowledge about the potency of poisonous mushrooms seems tenuous at best, Alma appears to have succeeded in not killing Reynolds. Being a muse is fun for a while, but it demands nothing of Alma beyond her ability to stand still for many hours. It is unique within Paul Thomas Anderson's filmography for a battle of wills to end in a draw. I guess I observed it as more of an analogy. In other words, the subtext became the surtext. Thats very challenging. When he recovers, the so-far detached dressmaker realizes how important his muse is to him and asks her to marry him, to which she agrees. In recent years, the pinnacle of motorsports has gained an unlikely audience of new enthusiasts. Adoring of male genius? Instead, Alma sticks around and chooses to spring on her lover another surprise. Which is why, rather than be meekly dismissed like so many of the women before her, she makes an unconventional power play of her own. [36], The A.V. As enigmatic and utterly bizarre as Phantom Thread tends to be, it's as exciting as anything Paul Thomas Anderson has made in years. And the images I had! "[40], Phantom Thread was listed on many critics' top ten lists for 2017.[41]. The answer is provided in Adam Nayman's new book "Paul Thomas Anderson: Masterworks" ( now available for purchase ). We know little of Joanna, who leaves Reynolds' house soon after, but once Alma takes her place, it becomes clearer that Joanna had previously served in the same position: Reynolds' lover, muse, aide, and sparring partner. This notion of a powerful man becoming weak how does that happen? He heads to the countryside after a few stressful days delivering dresses to a high-profile clientele that includes a Countess, where he meets Alma, a restaurant server. Vicky Krieps and Daniel Day-Lewis in Phantom Thread, This password will be used to sign into all, 39 Pairs of Sneakers to Upgrade Your Wardrobe, Im On the Hunt for the Best Sunscreens Without a White Cast, I Inherited Millions From My Mother, and Everyone Knows, Are There Any Healthier Alternatives to Gel Manicures?, 6 Stand-ups Analyze ChatGPTs Attempts to Steal Their Jobs, Julia Fox, Paris Hilton, and More of the Bestest Party Pics This Week. A dermatologist weighs in on at-home devices. Apart from being annoyed by small things like the noises she makes while buttering her toast, he now finds it hard to focus on work and complains as much to Cyril. Weve spent the past few months furiously digging ourselves out of the hole created by bowing down unreservedly to men who are deemed to be geniuses, and it will take much longer for us to reach the surface. During a quick country break, he meets the eager young Alma (Vicky Krieps, the true star of the film) and immediately finds his latest muse in her. In a fit of anger, the Phantom cuts the only rope supporting a huge chandelier, causing it to fall into the audience and set fire. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. See Also: Eternals (2021) Sets New Record For Biggest Marvel Cinematic Universe Film Debut On Disney+. And so, Alma poisons Reynolds not once but twice over the course of the film. Many of those films are obsessed with families, specifically with fathers and sons. You can follow her on Twitter or listen to her podcast, The Hollywood Read. Anderson, who wrote the film as well, has much more interest in dissecting the power structure that surrounds such figures, and how easily something so fragile can be disrupted. They become a couple soon enough, but only in some respects; Alma goes with Reynolds to his favorite London haunt, but they're always accompanied by Cyril, and Alma always ends up feeling like the third wheel instead. Also, considering Reynolds is described in the present tense, it seems like he is still alive and, going by Almas appearance, not too much time has passed since the omelet incident. Of course, as soon as Reynolds takes the first bite, Alma essentially admits to poisoning him, saying that she wants him to be helpless and that he is going to get very sick but not die. And without Alma, he is more pathetic a creature than he already is. Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread features one of the most fascinating onscreen relationships of 2017, between Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day Lewis), a controlling, fastidious London couturier ( also, our ideal shopping buddy ), and Alma (Vicky Krieps), a young immigrant from some unnamed European country, who's working as a waitress in a After designing a new gown for a revered client, Lady Harding, Reynolds visits a restaurant near his country house and meets a foreign waitress, Alma Elson. For my money, this is his most dramatically coherent film since Magnolia. Reynolds snaps at Alma, first about the manner in which she's prepared his asparagus (with butter, not oil, because again, he's very precise), then childishly suggesting that she's an agent dispatched to destroy his entire life. The film can, and does, but the picture is so hackneyed pram, baby, walk in the park that it has to be a dream, or an irony. It is only when he is broken that he becomes tender and opens his affection to her. And how did that play out with Reynolds specifically?I think on some level, with Reynolds, his desire to be mothered stems from the fact that, with his work, everything is about precision and about having complete and total control, almost to the point where he couldnt stop himself. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. She accepts his invitation to dinner. He has such a strong personality type, and oftentimes for people with really abrasive, controlling personalities, it takes something really extreme to happen for them to turn a corner, so to speak. The films climax then gradually builds as Alma prepares an omelette for Reynolds dinner. All rights reserved. The Phantom Thread demonstrated a slightly new approach for PTA. Why do you suddenly have a problem with it? Thats why its important to do the internal work, to be sure that you know and youre clear on what you are and are not willing to compromise on, what youre looking for in a partner. Alma is what Billy Wilder would have referred to as the vinegar in the cocktail - the necessary sharpness to a traditional tale that keeps the dream alive. However, Reynolds gallantly eats a few bites of the asparagus. We never talked about it, she remembers. Vicky Krieps as Alma She discovers a little tag stitched into the hem of the skirt with the words Never Cursed inscribed on it while working on it. His clients view him as a genius whose creations enable them to become their best selves; but his creativity and charm are matched by his obsessive and controlling personality. You grow., Im Sick of Being the Bad Guy in Relationships. Read More:Is Phantom Thread Based on a True Story? Watch the trailer: Daniel Day-Who? As this years Oscar nominations were announced, most of us awards prognosticators predicted that Paul Thomas Andersons latest drama, Phantom Thread, would be lucky to pick up more than one nomination. Anyone feel the same. At one point, Alma chooses to go out dancing on the young doctor's recommendation (after the two of them spend more time talking at a fancy dinner than she does with her husband), to Reynolds' consternation. [37] The Observer critic Mark Kermode gave the film five stars, describing it as "a deftly spun yarn" and praised Daniel Day-Lewis' performance, calling his role as a "perfect fit [in a] beautifully realised tale of 50s haute couture". In 1954 London, fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock creates dresses for members of high society, even royalty. I love love loved this movie and thought it was very chic, but the ending left me baffled. Is Reynolds Aware that Alma has Poisoned Him? Can you have two people who are so screwed up and yet are kind of screwed up in the right way for each other?I think that it is possible. Deals from Dermstore, NuFace, Tibi, and more. As a result, it appears that Reynolds has some superstitions regarding manufacturing bridal gowns, as seen by the words Never Cursed embroidered onto the Princess wedding gown. Daniel Day-Lewis plays Reynolds with sexy light charm, but "Phantom Thread" remains the study of a man who treats the woman he falls in love with in a way that no woman no person should. The 1950s-based movie is about a dressmaker who falls in love with a waitress in London, and it features a leading role from Daniel Day-Lewis, which also happened to be his final role before retiring. Alma has so far had a relatively unfavorable view of herself until she looks through Reynolds eyes and discovers her own beauty. What the other partner will often say is, Why is this all of a sudden a problem? Phantom Thread is a romantic drama movie from 2017 that explores what its like to fall in love with an artist. Without the emotional, sexual and economic sacrifices of those women, said men simply cannot cope, and Phantom Thread knows that so very well. Reading this review so far, Im sure many will be dismissing the film as another peacock-strutting festival of adored male egos. Alma sits by a fire, talking to an unidentified individual about her connection with Reynolds in the beginning of the film. It doesnt feel like much of a partnership when one person is having to compromise. Reynolds willingly swallows the bite and tells her to kiss him before he is sick. The superstitious Reynolds is haunted by the death of their mother, and often stitches hidden messages into the linings of the dresses he makes. Anderson reunites with Daniel Day-Lewis for the exquisite mad love of, "Phantom Thread review a deftly spun yarn", "Best of 2017: Film Critic Top Ten Lists", Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Film, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Phantom_Thread&oldid=1136342043, Films about fashion in the United Kingdom, Films that won the Best Costume Design Academy Award, Films with screenplays by Paul Thomas Anderson, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using multiple image with manual scaled images, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 22:02. She recalls her husbands severe demeanour as well as extremely touching moments, even joking about poisoning him. ", "Sir Daniel Day-Lewis' phantom apperance [sic] at Blackpool's Tower Ballroom", "Yes, Paul Thomas Anderson Is Serving as His Own Cinematographer on 'Phantom Thread', "How Paul Thomas Anderson Dirtied-Up 'Phantom Thread' to Avoid the Polish of 'The Crown', "Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood On The Music Of 'Phantom Thread', "From Radiohead to the Oscar-Nominated 'Phantom Thread': Jonny Greenwood on His Musical Process", "Jonny Greenwood's 'Phantom Thread' Original Score is Used in Nearly 70% of the Movie", "January Slows As 'Jumanji' Takes No. Early on, with his earlier relationships that they depicted in the movie, there was a beginning, he had some interest, there was a middle, he got bored, and then the end, he had his sister lead them out the door and get rid of them, so to speak. Reynolds intermittent expressions of affection, mixed with his nitpicking of Almas routines (such as too much movement at breakfast), lead to a squabble over a meal that was supposed to be a surprise. He refuses to visit a doctor, and before recuperating, he spends a couple of nights in a feverish fever. Likewise, "Phantom Thread" initially recalls Hitchcock films like "Rebecca" and "Vertigo," focusing on the controlling influence of a middle-aged man over a younger woman he has fallen in love with. Alma stays by his side, tirelessly nursing him back to health. He wants rid of the woman who wont shut up, even as his sister, for once, sides with her. Plainview, the antihero of what is still Anderson's greatest film, doesn't like to talk much about his past, but the glimpses we see as well as his interactions in the small town of Little Boston, California suggest enough for us to know of the oilman's dark past and how it hardened his soul into a fiercely competitive spirit. She claims to have given him everything, and her companion describes the dressmaker as a demanding man. It had a weird sort of BDSM quality to it that she is really dominating him and hes being completely submissive but, well, with poison. Lewis gained enough skills that enabled him to recreate an iconic dress by Balenciaga during the year. It has a long history in movies and books; theres a great Shirley Jackson book, We Have Always Lived in the Castle, thats got some mushroom poisoning in it. [26] Filming also took place at the Grandhotel Giessbach, Brienz, Switzerland, Lake Brienz, and Brienzer Rothorn. At Paris Fashion Week, Different Takes on Glamour. (This scene, as well as a few others, features the sharp and very odd humor that marks many of PTA's best films. The ending is "happy" in a very dark way. Once married, Reynolds reacts even more strongly to what he views as distractions to his work that stem from Alma. Humans are extinct on Earth, and only the illusions that the last human being had created carried on their tradition. At first, Alma enjoys being a part of Reynolds's work, but he proves aloof, hard to please, and finicky; as a result, they start to bicker. In what way would this relationship, which is so extreme, reflect what people go through in real life? Season 10 of The Blacklist: Renewed or Cancelled? That was a big thing. As youre getting to know someone, you want to know, what are their boundaries? The peaks and valleys of their relationship make up the rest of the opaque story. When a unique young woman meets a renowned dressmaker, they're in for a delicious affair of twists, turns and power struggles. Hes the one, for instance, who opens the door for Alma to leave her former job waitressing at a rural restaurant and enter the world of 50s haute couture as his latest muse and model. Though I think ideally, if you meet someone and that naturally slows you down, it would be more ideal than poison. Not polished and refined. The pattern that Anderson's earlier films, the ones from the late 1990s, seemed to fit within began to evaporate with the release of Punch-Drunk Love in 2002. No, Reynolds Woodcock does not die at the end of the film. I had been writing and presenting the script to Daniel as we went along, and when I reached the end, I presented that last scene to him as Alma presents it to Reynolds: Im serving you a poisonous mushroom omelet: What are you going to do? And he smiled just like he did in the movie! Trauma can be anything that has a lasting impact on you, that affected you in a negative way at any point in your life, and ultimately that shapes our worldview. Eating the poisoned omelette appears to be a continuation of the motif, as Reynolds accepts his muses unusual (and potentially murderous) way of expressing her love for him through food. In many ways it was a more 'traditional' drama than any of his films since Punch Drunk Love , and I enjoyed this aspect a lot. His sister, who aided him, is still single. Alma, a young European immigrant who we first see working as a somewhat clumsy waitress, is both dazzled and overwhelmed by the opulence of her new surroundings. She even appears to receive the posthumous approval of his long-dead mother in that regard; in his fungi-induced hallucinatory state, Reynolds sees mommy dearests phantom in the room, silently observing as Alma bustles about in the foreground. Meanwhile, Givenchy and Chlo fell short. But the ending reverted to the tone PTA has been exploring since TWBB, and I was disappointed by this. 5,844. The Phantom then drags Christine off to his lair, much to the horror of her lover, Raoul who, led by . However, unknown to the original Edgar, the double was a defect and ended up being a pessimistic shadow of himself, destroying instead of recreating the world. The artistic dressmaker describes working for months as a teenager on a dress for his mother because his superstitious nanny (nicknamed Black Death) refused to help. Obviously, there was the twist at the end of the film, where we see that he is letting himself be poisoned, and theyve got this kind of weird power switch that happens where she takes total control. The story is intricately layered, combining themes of artistic freedom, love, and power into the central romance and Woodcock's obsession with his craft. This is no ordinary costume drama (although every dress is a feast for the eyes), nor is it a mere battle of the sexes. Privacy Policy. I'm saying this at the start because this post is critical of Phantom Thread. Phantom Thread premiered in New York City on December 11, 2017, and was theatrically released in the United States on December 25, 2017. Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread is an achingly beauteous and painful portrait of a complicated, codependent relationship, in which love is a necessary poison, the antidote to which is, literally, more poison. Trauma has such a profound impact on all of our lives, and many people on this planet have experienced trauma and loss which isnt just witnessing a violent act. Cookie Notice Twisted? When he recovers, Woodcock approaches his poisoner with a remarkable (for him) proposal: marriage. We're given fewer clues as to how Reynolds' and Alma's minds work for a while; in a lot of ways, they only reveal themselves in the final 10 minutes (about which more soon). As stubborn as he is, and as beloved as his work is now, even he seems to understand that his future in uncertain. His wife, on the other hand, poison him on a semi-regular basis, leaving the spectator to wonder whether the talented dressmaker is cursed. The site's critics consensus reads: "Phantom Thread's finely woven narrative is filled out nicely by humor, intoxicating romantic tension, and yet another impressively committed performance from Daniel Day-Lewis. Much to the shock and delight of critics and the industry, the film received greater representation across various categories than anyone could have hoped for in their wildest dreams. Hes met his match, and theres a release for him in admitting, Ive been beaten. Each of the three points that constitute the movies odd love triangle esteemed London fashion designer Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis, a Best Actor nominee for what hes said will be his final screen performance), his stern sister, Cyril (Lesley Manville, who picked up a surprise Best Supporting Actress nod), and the interloper in their midst, Alma (breakout star Vicky Krieps) is locked in a subtle, but no less serious struggle to be the one in control of their collective destiny. It happens through acts of God or exertions of other forces outside of his own. and our [39] Michael Wood, writing for the London Review of Books, saw the film as unsuccessfully referencing other gothic films such as Rebecca from the 1940s. It also earned four nominations at the 71st British Academy Film Awards, winning for Best Costume Design,[13] and received two Golden Globe nominations.[14]. Casting the muse, Vicky Krieps. In the films opening sequence and then sporadically throughout, we see Alma sitting by a fire, describing her relationship with Reynolds to an unseen individual. I think thats a really universal thing that happens in any relationship. The premise of Phantom Thread is as light on detail as possible: set in the 1950s in London, the film focuses on a fastidious clothier named Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he embarks upon . Here, she takes even Cyril's place, the sister who is rarely away from her brother's side even during romantic entanglements. Naturally, as soon as Reynolds takes the first bite, Alma admits to poisoning him, explaining that she wants him to be powerless and that he will become very ill but not die. Its easy to get caught up in the admittedly enthralling aesthetics of the film: The clothes are sumptuous, the breakfasts indulgent, Day-Lewis has never looked hotter, and the House of Woodcock will inspire many a case of property envy. His strong attitude vanishes when hes unwell (or sad, as he is after a less-than-perfect design presentation), and the diligent dressmaker becomes more open to emotional connection. [6] It marked Day-Lewis's final film role to date. Of course, not wanting to murder Reynolds is admirable, but Almas faith in his survival after swallowing her lethal mushroom-laced concoctions appears to be a little naive. Daniel Plainview fiercely dominates over the weaselly preacher Eli Sunday, murdering the man in the final scene of There Will Be Blood. Upon learning the truth about the original Edgar, the Edgar double . Meet Vicky Krieps, the secret star of Phantom Thread, Paul Thomas Anderson on Daniel Day-Lewiss retirement: I believe him right now, for what hes said will be his final screen performance, picked up a surprise Best Supporting Actress nod, deadly mushrooms as a third-act plot device, Tom Sizemore, star of 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Heat,' dies at 61 after brain aneurysm, Josh Hartnett is done talking about his break from Hollywood but ready to make fun of actors: 'We're the worst', Michael B. Jordan admits muscle gain for 'Creed' has been harder as he's gotten older, Billy Bush suggests Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes start their own show after ABC exit: 'They've got something that works', How to watch every Oscars 2023 Best Picture nominee. The premise of Phantom Thread is as light on detail as possible: set in the 1950s in London, the film focuses on a fastidious clothier named Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he embarks upon a new romance with Alma, a young waitress (Vicky Krieps) he meets one day at a countryside hotel. "[29], The soundtrack was composed by Jonny Greenwood, who previously worked with Anderson on the soundtracks for There Will Be Blood (2007), The Master (2012) and Inherent Vice (2014). [18] Michael Bauman, who previously worked as Anderson and Elswit's gaffer, was credited as "lighting cameraman". And she responds, "I want to chew your face and I want to scoop out your eyes." Privacy Policy and ", Like I said, Phantom Thread takes a while to fully reveal itself as a battle between lovers that is as warped as anything else Anderson has ever depicted on screen. The film follows renowned and eccentric dressmaker Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) and his unlikely muse Alma ( Vicky Krieps), whom he meets at a restaurant and later marries in 1950s London. Yet muses are fleeting, and Alma is painfully aware of her short shelf life. I havent seen The Beguiled, Anderson admits when we tell him about the coincidental relationship between Coppolas movie and his own. So, if you dont want to be spoiled - and believe me, you dont - then just skip past all this, and go straight to the cinema to see Phantom Tread. Despite their connection, Reynolds primary concern is his business, and Alma soon feels abandoned as the busy dressmakers life goes on in a bustle. Barry Egan, Daniel Plainview, Freddie Quell, Lancaster Dodd, and now the two leads of Phantom Thread all stand out in Anderson's filmography as some of his most remarkable, enigmatic protagonists. OFFICIAL DISCUSSION: "PHANTOM THREAD (2017)" Story: Set in 1950's London, Reynolds Woodcock is a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by a young, strong-willed woman, Alma, who becomes his muse and lover.. You can follow his daily exploits on Twitter and Instagram. Yet they all fit as fascinating, imperceptible dark heroes of a sort. Still, he goes along with it, because he needs it. As Reynolds lies ill once again, Alma imagines their future with children, a rich social life, and with a bigger role for her in the dressmaking business. A truly baffling ending crowns the masterpiece with a message of deep love too deep, perhaps. What do you think? As a patient, Reynoldss infantile tendencies become more potent. 'Phantom Thread' Spoiler Review: Paul Thomas Anderson Has Made Another Masterpiece. When Reynolds goes to decompress at the countryside hotel after Joanna leaves, he's clearly enchanted by the mysterious Alma, but she fails to notice the fact that his precise needs (to a point of possible OCD) must be met or else he will be unable to perform his work at all hours of the day. Although the context of their talk is not given, a few insights can be derived from it. Within seconds, it is clear: he knows that she's using mushrooms she shouldn't be using. It was completely clear what was going on. The answer is provided in Adam Nayman's new book "Paul Thomas Anderson: Masterworks" ( now available for purchase ). While the film starts out looking like a familiar tale of domineering male genius, it ultimately flips those expectations on their head. I wasn't. A befuddling conclusion tops the masterpiece with a message of deep love perhaps too deep. Phantom Thread follows the tenuous romance that blossoms between an eccentric dressmaker and his muse, leading them to a remarkable conclusion. Sickness returns but he is ready for the fallout and prepared to give everything over to her. Is the Historical Drama The Gilded Age Based On The True Story? They might be looking for someone whos exactly like their mother, which is unrealistic and long-term isnt as satisfying as they may initially think it would be. Alma has had a negative perception of herself until she sees herself through Reynolds eyes and sees her own beauty. [33] The subsequent weekend, following the announcement of its six Oscar nominations, and having added 125 theaters, the film grossed $2.9million. Reynolds sporadic displays of affection, combined with his nitpicking of Almas habits (like too much movement at breakfast), result in a fight over a meal originally meant to be a surprise. Alma, of course, loves it. Though he willingly eats the poisonous mushroom-laced omelet and even gallantly asks his wife to kiss him before he falls sick, he seems to have embraced the subsequent sickness and doesnt appear to be dying of it. Thus, the omelet incident could have occurred quite recently, keeping the possibility open that perhaps Reynolds dies soon after he begins to willingly get poisoned by his muse and wife. His genius is limited, and often only justified by the women around him doing the real labour. It is Anderson's second collaboration with Day-Lewis, following There Will Be Blood (2007), and his fourth with composer Jonny Greenwood. Having now seen the film myself, Im more stunned than ever that they pulled it off. Sure. Warning: This post contains spoilers for the third act of Phantom Thread. Did Reynolds just sort of accept that his wife likes to occasionally poison him? The reality is, in life, you will be both victim and villain. Reynolds later passes out while working on a dress for the Princess. The difference with Alma is that it didnt pan out the way that he thought it would. What Is It That Reynolds Woodcock Sews Into The Dress? Reynolds and Alma form an instant and intense bond, with both being fascinated by the other for very different reasons. However, his wife also poisons him on a semi-regular basis, leaving it open for the audience to mull over whether the artistic dressmaker is actually cursed. Hes certainly not going to put himself in a vulnerable position! SPOILERS AHEAD. Though Alma poisons him, it is not her intention to kill Reynolds. Thus, Alma aims to use the poisonous mushrooms to get Reynolds just sick enough that he spends short periods of time being dependent on her. Some may see it as yet another tortured male genius story, which is understandable, but this is a story far more concerned with pitying such creatures than inflating their egos. I was just being Alma being in front of Reynolds, and it happened in the moment. 2023 Vox Media, LLC. Saying those lines, it felt so passionate and almost sexual, even though I was talking about mushrooms and eating.. The Row and Balmain showed individual gestures on luxury. By Kayleigh Donaldson | Film | March 23, 2018 |. She acknowledges that while there may be challenges ahead, their love and their complementary needs can overcome them. Almas plot revolves around dangerous local mushrooms, which she collects in the countryside after consulting a book on fungal identification. Oct 25, 2017. We are then taken to a typical morning at acclaimed dressmaker Reynolds Woodcocks residence, where things proceed like clockwork. What will his career look like in 10 or 20 more years? The dialogue clearly takes place after the events of the film, given Almas description of Reynolds being poisoned and the aftermath. The film follows renowned and eccentric dressmaker, Synopsis Plot of The Movie Phantom Thread (2017), The scene then shifts to an ordinary morning at the home of renowned dressmaker, Reynolds intermittent expressions of affection, mixed with his nitpicking of Almas routines (such as too much . In another movie, with other people, maybe Alma would go back to the countryside and leave Reynolds and Cyril to their work. But I didn't need Alma's motivation explicitly spelled out to me. Reynolds does eventually marry, despite the fact that she has designed numerous wedding gowns (which, according to superstition, results in one not finding a spouse). Much has been made in advance that Phantom Thread is the second and supposedly final collaboration between Anderson and star Daniel Day-Lewis, who recently announced his retirement from acting.