‘Phantom Thread’ tells the story of Reynolds Woodcock, an acclaimed and quirky seamstress, and Alma, his equally intriguing muse. The complex dynamic that emerges between the principal couple is the result of two universes meeting. Alma finds a way to love Reynolds on her own terms, surrounded by the flashy and delicate world of the artistic dressmaker’s domain.
If you enjoyed the film’s emotionally complex narrative, enriched by the eccentric central characters, we have some film choices for you. The majority of these films, such as ‘Phantom Thread,’ are available on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Disney+.
Belle (2013)
‘Belle’ is a fascinating look at changing race relations in the 18th century through the eyes of Dido Elizabeth Belle, a mixed-race daughter of a nobleman who straddles a unique position in society due to her ethnicity and inherited wealth. Dido becomes embroiled in a racially fraught legal and societal conflict after being set up to marry an aspiring lawyer. The story expertly mixes romance and historical charm with societal conflict. For those searching for a film with a similar artistic bent to ‘Phantom Thread,’ this film was reportedly inspired by a 1779 painting of the titular character, who is based on a real person.
Moulin Rouge! (2001)
The recognizable musical drama ‘Moulin Rouge!’ is as flashy as it is romantic. The film expertly portrays profound emotional subtleties through poetic, over-the-top set pieces, telling the story of a young, heartbroken poet who falls in love with a cabaret dancer. The perhaps predictable love tale just adds to the pleasure of the ending, which pulls off romance in a way that only artists can. This picture is just as visually stunning as ‘Phantom Thread,’ and it has a lot of emotional depth for those who seek it out.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
The film revolves on five sisters and their different travels, and is based on Jane Austen’s classic work of the same name. Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet’s principal relationship is understated but informative. The tale also departs from the novel, placing a greater emphasis on realism while preserving much of the book’s beauty. The strong and unconventional center pair shine brightly in ‘Pride & Prejudice,’ just as they do in ‘Phantom Thread.’
‘Requiem for a Dream,’ a more darker, modern take on the artistic process, bends the idea of love and beauty by investigating it via addiction. Relationships deteriorate gradually until the heartbreaking story reaches a genuinely strange climax. With all of its visual perfection, ‘Phantom Thread’ provides a terrifying finale to the core couple’s relationship. In ‘Requiem for a Dream,’ the characters face a similarly dark and poetic fate.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
‘Shakespeare in Love,’ a period romance with a clear premise, has a self-explanatory title. What the title doesn’t convey is the film’s perfect blend of romantic drama, historical drama, and subtle humour. While writing ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ the titular playwright falls in love. The mysterious combination of art and love forms the center of the plot of this deserving 90s masterpiece, just as it did in ‘Phantom Thread.’ The film’s modern-day humor is delightfully tongue-in-cheek and well timed, just like Reynolds and Alma’s delicate interactions.
The Artist (2011)
‘The Artist’ depicts the development of a romantic relationship between a famous silent-film actor and a young, up-and-coming actress. The film, which is artistically stunning in monochrome, investigates how the titular artist reacts to the arrival of talkies and how it affects his profession and relationship. Themes of art, passion, and heartbreak are as skillfully nuanced as in ‘Phantom Thread,’ and fans of Reynolds Woodcock’s oddities will be captivated (and appalled) by George Valentin’s eccentricities.
The Pianist (2002)
This biographical war drama is vintage Roman Polanski, and it examines the power of art, namely music, in the face of humanity’s darkest days. Wadysaw Szpilman, a pianist and composer who survived the Holocaust and whose biography the film is based on, is portrayed by Adrien Brody as the titular musician. It’s a hauntingly beautiful film that depicts an artist’s eternal passion for his profession with equally exquisite historical scenery as ‘Phantom Thread.’
