Cate Blanchett’s Ambiguous Costumes in ‘Disclaimer’ on Apple TV+ Designed to Spark Intrigue

Tensions are rising in Alfonso Cuarón’s Apple TV+ series, Disclaimer, as viewers delve into the mysteries and secrets surrounding the characters. The fifth episode raises questions about Catherine Ravenscroft (played by Cate Blanchett) and the buried secret she has kept for two decades. The drowning death of Jonathan Brigstocke (Louis Partridge) in the Ligurian Sea years ago, and Catherine’s involvement in it, add complexity to the narrative. Stephen Brigstocke (Kevin Kline) seeks vengeance for his wife Nancy (Lesley Manville), while the truth behind Nancy’s novel, The Perfect Stranger, and its connection to Catherine’s past remain unclear.

Costume designer Jany Temime, based in Paris, emphasizes the intricate storytelling woven into the series through the characters’ wardrobes. The costumes, ranging from designer pieces to Y2K fashion and Italian resort wear, serve as clues to the overarching mysteries while blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Catherine’s character is portrayed with an arty and boho aesthetic, reflecting her role as a journalist and documentarian in an affluent London neighborhood. Temime’s attention to detail in Catherine’s wardrobe evolution, from chic bohemian ensembles to a more streamlined and darkened look, mirrors the character’s emotional journey throughout the series.

Symbolism plays a significant role in Catherine’s pink palette, with Temime highlighting the color’s connection to new beginnings and the unfolding story. The plush velvet robe and pink elements in Catherine’s wardrobe hold deeper meanings that tie back to her past and present struggles.

In flashback scenes, Catherine’s attire, such as the see-through pink floral dress and intense red bikini, adds layers to her character and the narrative. Temime’s meticulous craftsmanship in customizing outfits like the revealing Grecian goddess dress and the symbolic red bikini underscores the character’s complexity and inner turmoil.

Stephen’s character is also defined by his wardrobe choices, particularly his connection to Nancy through the pink cardigan he wears. Temime’s attention to detail in designing the cardigan reflects the emotional depth and symbolism embedded in the characters’ costumes, hinting at the intertwined fates of the characters in the series.

Overall, the costumes in Disclaimer play a crucial role in enhancing the storytelling, adding depth to the characters, and weaving a visual tapestry that complements the intricate narrative of secrets, betrayals, and revelations in Alfonso Cuarón’s compelling series.