Rent Phantom Thread (2017)

For Daniel Day Lewis addicts only - Phantom Thread review by NR

This is one of the least plausible or convincing films I have seen for a long time. At first glance it looks very beautiful - as you would expect - but the feebleness of the plot is matched only by the stilted, two-dimensional acting of the principals. This may not be their fault - the script is risible - but it does not make for a good film. If you want endless close-up shots of Day Lewis (and he is handsome enough), it is perhaps worth watching. Otherwise, ignore it.

Daniel's swan song? - Phantom Thread review by NC

DDL is great actor. No question. The girl in film, is a match. Lesley, the sister, is brilliant. The film is a bit pedestrian, and one tends to lose empathy with the characters, and how they live their lives. That was the day, but does not save the film.

Shame if this is DDL's last performance.

A strange dark movie - Phantom Thread review by TP

I loved the look of this film and it captures the atmosphere of a time and the world of high fashion magnificently. That said, ultimately this is not what the film is about, instead it explores the nature of a dark and abusive relationship between two people. I can't say this is an easy watch as neither of the main protagonists are easy to empathise with but perhaps that the director was striving for.

More exciting watching paint dry! - Phantom Thread review by MC

Truly awful, nothing film. No purpose whatsoever just a pay day for the actors. One of the worst films I've ever endured!

Bored me to tears - Phantom Thread review by RP

Really could not be bothered, tried for and hour then gave up, my wife persevered to then end but she was not impressed.

Impressive return to form for PTA - Phantom Thread review by PB

Paul Thomas Anderson is one of modern cinema's great auteurs, however I felt that his last few movies (The Master, and Inherent Vice) were rambling, directionless and frankly pretentious, and had lost the charm and flair of his earlier films. Phantom Thread fortunately represents a return to form for PTA, and an impressive final performance from Daniel Day Lewis.

The storyline is essentially a sort of twisted romance set amongst the world of 1950s fashion, and this is a world away from the sort of light, fluffy romances Hollywood produces. This is PTA playing with the genre and creating something dark and wonderful.

The score is very much worth mentioning too. Modern film score is largely just noise these days, but Jonny Greenwood manages to bring an old fashioned beauty and charm to the music. The film has a surprising amount of score in it, which adds a lot to the feel and atmosphere.

This isn't up there with PTA's greats - There Will Be Blood, Boogie Nights, and Magnolia, but it's still a cut well above most other movies and well worth a watch.

Original and Finely crafted - Phantom Thread review by JR

The film is as finely crafted as one of Reynolds' dresses. Care and attention has been paid to every frame; the locations, the sound, the cinematography, and the music are all perfect. The acting is superb - Day Lewis' performance is detailed, nuanced and and completely absorbing to watch.