Reynolds Woodcock (Daniel Day-Lewis) is introduced to us as a fastidious, exacting and controlling man. Whilst he creates dresses for his fashion house he relies upon his sister Cyril (Lesley Manville) to discard his girlfriends when he has become bored with them. When he meets waitress Alma (Vicky Krieps) she becomes his muse and partner, but their relationship is dysfunctional to say the least.

Paul Thomas Anderson is known for intense controlling men in his films. The Master and There Will be Blood both featured these type of men with no redeeming features. Phantom Thread subverts that slightly with a man who at times shows warmth but who is driven by work and displays a need to control those around him. Interestingly we see Alma push back on his domination and slowly we see that there is an uncomfortable kink in their relationship. How this all plays out is the crux of the story and one that proves to be captivating.

As the story is told and the fascinating relationship unfolds there are many facets of the film that will keep you enthralled. The three leads give fantastic performances. Daniel Day-Lewis, in what he has announced is his final role is both warm and intense, Vicky Krieps is quietly strong-willed and Lesley Manville almost steals the show as the strong matriarch of the Woodcock fashion house. The score by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood (his 4th Anderson film) is also exceptional, creating an intense tone throughout. And finally the film looks exquisitely shot with fantastic costumes beautifully showing off the 1950’s fashion scene.

If you are a fan of P.T. Anderson then this comes highly recommended. It is his first foray into a love story since his equally challenging Punch Drunk Love and is another intriguing look at toxic masculinity.