The New Look is a series created by Todd A. Kessler. It stars Ben Mendelsohn, Juliette Binoche, Maisie Williams and John Malkovich.
During World War II, France is occupied by the German army. “The New Look” tells the story of several fashion icons such as Christian Dior, Balenciaga or Coco Chanel and how they had to live with the occupation while developing their careers as couturiers.
Apple TV+ presents a show full of elegance and glamour in a top-notch historical recreation, set in none other than occupied France during World War II. This series stands out for its excellent actors, led by the phenomenal Ben Mendelsohn playing Christian Dior, the character around which the story revolves. It tells a captivating tale of how talented individuals had to cope with the brutality and senselessness of war and an occupied territory, yet manage to make their dreams come true despite the harsh reality. The show’s aesthetics, shots, and set designs are meticulously crafted in this spectacular historical reconstruction. It is one of the most highly anticipated shows of the season, premiering this Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, on Apple TV+.
Enjoy!
Where to Watch “The New Look”
The Cast
Ben Mendelsohn
Australian actor Paul Benjamin Mendelsohn (born April 3, 1969) gained recognition in his home country for his breakout performance in The Year My Voice Broke (1987). He has since appeared in notable films including Animal Kingdom (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Starred Up (2013), Mississippi Grind (2015), Rogue One (2016), Darkest Hour (2017), and Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One (2018). In 2017, he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Talos in Captain Marvel (2019) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019). Mendelsohn reprised his role as Talos in 4 episodes of the Disney+ series Secret Invasion (2023). He also starred in the Netflix original series Bloodline (2015–2017), for which he received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2016. In 2020, Mendelsohn took on the lead role in the HBO crime miniseries The Outsider.
Juliette Binoche
Juliette Binoche, born on 9 March 1964, is a multi-talented French artist, known for her work as an actress, artist, and dancer. With a career spanning over 40 films, she has received numerous international awards, authored a book, and has made appearances on stages around the world. Growing up in a family with a strong artistic background, she began taking acting lessons during her teenage years. She later went on to perform in various stage productions and caught the attention of famed directors such as Jean-Luc Godard (Hail Mary, 1985), Jacques Doillon (Family Life, 1985), and André Téchiné. It was Téchiné who launched her into stardom in France with her leading role in his 1985 drama, Rendez-vous.
Binoche’s captivating performance in her first English-language film, The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988), directed by Philip Kaufman, propelled her into international fame. She caught the eye of renowned director Steven Spielberg, who offered her roles in several of his films, including Jurassic Park, which she declined in favor of working with Krzysztof Kieslowski on Three Colors: Blue (1993). This performance earned her the Best Actress award at the Venice Film Festival and a César award. Three years later, Binoche continued to impress audiences with her role in Anthony Minghella’s The English Patient (1996), for which she won an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Best Actress award at the 1997 Berlin Film Festival. In 2000, she received an Academy Award nomination for her role in Lasse Hallström’s romantic comedy, Chocolat.
Throughout the 2000s, she continued to thrive in both French and English language films, earning critical acclaim for her performances in mainstream and art-house productions. Binoche made history in 2010 when she became the first actress to win the European “best actress triple crown” at the Cannes Film Festival for her role in Abbas Kiarostami’s Certified Copy. Alongside her film career, Binoche has also made appearances on stage, including a notable performance in the 1998 London production of Luigi Pirandello’s Naked and a Tony Award-nominated performance in Harold Pinter’s Betrayal on Broadway in 2000. In 2008, she embarked on a world tour with a modern dance production, in-i, created in collaboration with Akram Khan. Affectionately known as “La Binoche” by the French media, some of her other notable performances include Mauvais Sang (1986), Les Amants du Pont-Neuf, Damage (1992), The Horseman on the Roof (1995), Code Unknown (2000), Caché (2005), Breaking and Entering (2006), and Flight of the Red Balloon (2007).
Maisie Williams
Maisie Williams, also known as Margaret Constance Williams, is an English actress who began her acting career in 2011 with her role as Arya Stark in the popular HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. Her performance on the show received widespread acclaim and earned her two Primetime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Williams has also made appearances on other television shows such as Doctor Who, Cyberbully, and Two Weeks to Live, and has lent her voice to the animated series Gen:Lock. In 2014, she starred in her first feature film, The Falling, which was praised by critics and earned her awards recognition. She has also acted in various films including Mary Shelley, Early Man, and Then Came You. Recently, Williams has starred in The New Mutants, a superhero horror film, and The Owners, a psychological thriller. In 2018, she received positive reviews for her stage debut in the play I and You by Lauren Gunderson at the Hampstead Theatre in London.
John Malkovich
John Malkovich, an American actor, producer, director, and fashion designer, has had a successful career spanning 30 years, appearing in over 70 films. He received Academy Award nominations for his performances in Places in the Heart and In the Line of Fire. His impressive filmography also includes well-received movies like Empire of the Sun, The Killing Fields, Dangerous Liaisons, Of Mice and Men, Being John Malkovich, Burn After Reading, RED, and Warm Bodies. In addition to acting, Malkovich has produced several films, including Juno and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. He attended Illinois schools exclusively during his childhood and adulthood, where he formed close relationships with fellow performers Joan Allen, Gary Sinise, and Glenne Headly. Together, they co-founded the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in 1976. After establishing himself in the world of theater, Malkovich transitioned to feature films in the late 1970s, earning critical acclaim for his dramatic and comedic roles in movies such as Dangerous Liasions, Of Mice and Men, Being John Malkovich, and Burn After Reading. In addition to his talents in the entertainment industry, Malkovich also founded his own fashion company, Mrs. Mudd, in 2002. He continues to work on multiple projects each year as an actor, director, and producer, and is widely recognized as a prominent figure in modern cinema.
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