New Look Review: Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche Drama Reveals Tense Dior-Chanel Rivalry Through World War II Lens

new face

Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, John Malkovich, Maisie Williams

About New Look

Created by Todd Kessler, new face Gives viewers a different look into the past of famous fashion designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. The French fashion legends had different styles and a rivalry that lasted for many years. In new faceThe story takes place during the Nazi occupation of Paris during the Second World War, when both designers used any means necessary to survive. The period drama premiered on Apple TV+ on Valentine’s Day.

A New Look: Narrative

Although the first episode opens in 1955 in Paris with Ben Mendelssohn’s Dior at the height of his fame. Exiled Chanel (Juliette Binoche) returns when Dior shows up for an interview at the Sorbonne, a first for any fashion designer, when a student’s question sends her back. new face Flash forward to 1943, the decline of German power, when both Dior and Chanel were passing through the fog.

The series examines Chanel’s actions during this period; He was widely regarded as a collaborator who moved in Nazi circles. Meanwhile, Dior’s younger sister Catherine (Maisey Williams) was secretly helping the French resistance and under German surveillance. All these events unfold in the early episodes, as the transfer of power to the Allies is inevitable.

A New Look: Writing and Directing

Kessler takes the starting point of World War II to delve into the characterization of these two flawed but creative individuals. Dior declares that “for me, creativity was survival” when asked why he designed it for the wives and girlfriends of Nazis. The designer’s public and private actions are still being discussed, and a biographical series inspired by true events will add some complexity to the process.

actual plot new face It is compelling and tense. Why do Dior and Chanel dislike each other so much? How can they protect themselves and their loved ones during this difficult time? However, the series is rough around the edges in its execution. Some of the dialogue is rough and not every actor can pull off a Parisian accent. Despite the cast’s A-list talent, several actors seem to be hamming it up.

A New Look: Performances

Oscar winner Binoche’s Coco Chanel is the centerpiece of the series. She may have closed shop during the war, but Chanel maintains her presence in circles, leading to her mixed response after the Nazis finally fled Paris. Binoche brings cold steel to his performance. Like Dior, Chanel is a survivor.

Mendelssohn’s Dior is more difficult to read; His accent is too slurred to notice. However, the actor does a good job of revealing many of Dior’s burdens, including his need to find his sister Catherine. Game of Thrones star Williams portrays a young resistance fighter with an indomitable spirit despite the circumstances. The series also features some other big names, including the reclusive John Malkovich as Lucien Lelong, the founder of Maison Lelong and peers Cristóbal Balenciaga (Nuno Lopes) and Pierre Balmain (Thomas Poitevin).

A New Look: Criticism

new face, which follows Dior as he creates his fashion line and legacy, is a story of period drama of hope. Those interested in high fashion (and gossip) will have to wait a bit, because the historical past will be presented first. I’m hoping the series will focus more on Dior’s personal appearance, especially since he’s shown as a nervous, pessimistic character in the 1950s show. The epic drama certainly has the potential to enlighten fans and turn into a satisfying biopic. The ten-episode series will air weekly every Wednesday until its finale on April 3.