The Phantom Thread ending explained the surprising conclusion of the controversial love story. With his eighth feature, Paul Thomas Anderson delivers another sophisticated period drama, again bringing life to nuanced characters who aren't exactly good or bad but rather deeply flawed in a refined way. Set in the 1950s, the movie follows Reynolds Woodcock, an acclaimed dressmaker who finds in Alma the muse he always dreamed of. The two become romantically involved and complete each other professionally, but Reynolds's stubbornness in the face of Alma's caring, yet possessive love soon gives rise to a clash of obsessions. The Phantom Thread ending explained how such a couple find a way to work.