The Collection (2016)

If you like Paul Thomas Anderson’s Phantom Thread (2017), you’ll love The Collection (2016). The former flick may boast Daniel Day-Lewis in his final role, but the latter features male nudity! Under the direction of Dearbhla Walsh and Dan Zeff, this small screen series takes viewers to post-World War II Paris where the Sabine siblings run a fashion house. Throughout the 8 episode-run, it becomes clear that Paul (Richard Coyle) and Claude (Tom Riley) are as much rivals as they are brothers. The stylish saga also touches on secondary characters, such as Jules Trouvier (James Cosmo), Lemaire (Michael Kitchen), Marianne (Irène Jacob), Marjorie Stutter (Juliette Sarah Parish), Victor (Alexandre Brasseur), and Cesar (Jacob Fortune-Lloyd). Fortunately, Mr. Fortune-Lloyd shares a gay smooch with Mr. Riley in episode 4. Considering the shots of Tom’s tight tush and alabaster back, we’d kiss him too! By episode 5, Cesar reveals his pecs, buns, and same-sex preference for the bulge-baring Claude. If that’s not arousing enough, a taxi driver (Enzo Squillino Jr.) literally loses his top when he makes out with Claude in episode 1, which also includes views of Tom’s naked T&A in the tub. Rub a dub dub! Not to be outdone, Mr. Coyle shows off his abs as he chats with his lover in a dimly-lit room. Seriously, we would have been more turned on if the lamps were turned on! Our only other complaint about this costume drama is the fact that there are too many costumes. Don’t designers know less is more?