Phantom Thread quietly became one of the most anticipated films in 2017 due to Paul Thomas Anderson behind the lens and world class actor Daniel Day-Lewis (DDL) as Reynolds Woodcock in front of the camera. Reynolds is a renowned dressmaker in 1950s London who builds a relationship with Alma. A waitress at a diner who ends up becoming Woodcock’s lover and muse. Anyone who has traversed through Anderson’s filmography understands that he’s arguably the best American film-maker working today. His ability to engulf you within his frames is second to none and he pulls the best performance out of his actors everytime. This is Anderson’s first collaboration with Daniel Day-Lewis since 2007’s There Will Be Blood, and this might be their best effort yet. Phantom Thread is extraordinarily elegant and breathtakingly intoxicating. It dances like a classic Hitchcock film, with shades of Linklater’s Before Trilogy, and the psychological warfare of Fincher’s Gone Girl. It’s truly unlike any film that has released in recent memory, and you won’t want to look away from the screen. Jonny Greenwood’s score relaxes your muscles and occasionally twists your stomach. Anderson’s cinematography acts as a doorway to new worlds and new minds that are worth exploring down to the nail. Day-Lewis’ performance is captivating and fierce, and makes Reynolds Woodcock feel like a non-fiction figure. Lewis didn’t have to practice being a dressmaker in preparation for the role, but he’s dedicated to his craft and the work he wants to put on display. Phantom Thread almost acts as a vehicle for Lewi’s send off into retirement. *Mild spoilers* may lie ahead, but Woodcock (in my eyes) symbolizes DDL’s dedication to his acting career. His obsession with his “work” and being the best he can possibly be everytime he thinks of an idea for another project. How Woodcock really isolates himself into the right mindset to make sure the next dress is even better than the last. How Woodcock is so fantastic at his job but it leads him down a path that may physically or psychologically hurt him. He has his own demons past, present, and future that he must face and overcome. Any story you’ve read about Day-Lewis and his dedication to the craft is almost completely symbolized here. I’d be remissed not to mention how sensational Vicky Krieps (Alma) and Lesley Manville (Reynold’s sister Cyrill) are. Manville truly earned her Oscar nomination in a stern but passionate role as Cyrill. Krieps was completely snubbed by the Academy this year in delivering an inspiring and powerful performance. Krieps’ scenes with Day-Lewis were extravagant and emotionally gut-wrenching. For her to be able to hold her own against the titan that is Daniel Day-Lewis tells you just how extraordinary she truly was. It’s no secret that Phantom Thread is just as good as you’d suspect. If you’re someone who loves creative direction, inspired performances, and stellar technical achievement then you should see Phantom Thread. It’s an experience that wraps its arms around you and squeezes you tight until you’ve just run out of breath. Phantom Thread psychologically torments you from start to finish and it’s one of the most tightly sewn together motion pictures in recent memory. Phantom Thread gets a 96/100