Phantom Thread, Film Review (may contain spoilers)

Set in 1950s London, this is very old-fashioned 'classic' looking film and is reputed to be Daniel Day Lewis's last performance. He plays a high end fashion designer 'Woodcock', who makes dresses for the rich, famous and royalty. 

His attention to detail had earned him a perfect reputation for craftsmanship, his clothes were viewed as works of art. An important aspect to his creations were the 'secret' messages sewn into the linings of his clothes.

His sister Cyril was also his business partner, she was the only person who truly understood his character and always did her best to protect him. There always seems to exist a heavy atmosphere in the houdehold, Woodcock demanded structure and always followed a strict daily routine. It was important that his routine was maintained or the whole of the rest of the day would be thrown into turmoil.

He formed a friendship with a young waitress, Alma, who he grew attracted to and used her to model his designs. They fell in love but maintained a strange relationship, there always appeared to be an increasing power struggle between them, which culminated in Alma deliberately cooking some poisoned mushrooms into a meal, Woodcock became very sick and almost died.

Alma gradually nurses him back to health. However, towards the end of the film we see Alma poison him a second time, with more mushrooms in an omelette. Woodcock appeared to know her game but obviously liked the feeling of dependence when being cared for. We see that Woodcock never felt more alive than when close to death.

Recommended viewing for anyone tired of '50 Shades of Rubbish!

8/10