CLOSE (2019)

FEATURE FILM · NETFLIX · Piccadilly Pictures/ WestEnd Films/ Whitaker Media/ Jewson Film · Costume Designer

DIRECTOR — Vicky Jewson

PRODUCER — Rupert Whitaker, Jason Newmark, Vicky Jewson

TRAILER

THE DESIGN

For Close, starring Noomi Rapace, my approach was to create a grounded, physically believable costume world that could withstand the demands of a fast-paced action thriller while retaining a strong cinematic identity. Sam Carlson’s wardrobe needed to reflect her extensive military experience and practical instincts as a highly trained bodyguard. Her clothing was deliberately functional, worn and lived-in, with careful attention to fit, movement, texture and breakdown, creating a character who felt authentic yet visually compelling.

The film moves between sharply contrasting worlds, from the privileged, meticulously styled lives of a wealthy international family to the harsher realities of mercenaries, armed security and life on the run through Morocco. As the characters lose control of their circumstances, their clothing becomes increasingly dictated by necessity rather than personal choice. The contrast between carefully curated luxury and improvised survival became an important part of the visual storytelling.

With extensive stunt sequences and long periods of continuous action, costume continuity was central to the design. Dirt, sweat, damage and injury had to develop convincingly across multiple costumes and stunt doubles, tracking each character’s physical and emotional journey. Working across locations in the UK and Morocco, the intention was to balance heightened cinematic action with an uncompromising sense of reality, allowing the costumes to evolve naturally through the demands of the story.

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