In a riveting start to Apple TV+‘s The New Look, Maisie Williams, portraying Catherine Dior, opens up about the traumatic premiere episodes and the lengths she went to embody the resilient character.
Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Paris, the series delves into the contrasting struggles of Christian Dior and Coco Chanel. However, it is Catherine Dior’s harrowing journey in the covert French Resistance that takes center stage.
Williams, who steps into the shoes of the resilient Catherine, describes the intense scenes of her arrest, torture, and imprisonment at the hands of the Gestapo.
The character faces unspeakable horrors as she steadfastly resists revealing her co-conspirators. Williams, reflecting on Catherine’s mental preparedness for the dangers of the Resistance, emphasizes the character’s commitment to doing what she believes is right.
The grueling portrayal extends to scenes of Catherine’s transportation to a concentration camp, where Williams, committed to authenticity, underwent the actual shaving of her head on camera.
Williams admits to the challenges of adapting to the physical transformation but believes it was necessary to do justice to Catherine’s experience.
Filming in Paris with meticulously recreated sets, including Dior’s apartment and fashion house, added depth to the role. Williams, known for her role in Game of Thrones, acknowledges the difficulty of immersing herself in a historical setting compared to fictional worlds.
To prepare for the role, Williams extensively researched Catherine’s story, delving into books like “Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture” by Justine Picardie. Despite Catherine’s reluctance to publicly discuss her wartime experiences, Williams connected with her character through the accounts of women who encountered her during the war.
Looking ahead, the series promises to explore Catherine’s resilience as she confronts the challenges of survival. Williams repeatedly uses the word “resilient” to describe Catherine, emphasizing her character’s determination to do what she believes is right, regardless of the personal cost.
As Maisie Williams brings Catherine Dior to life, The New Look offers a gripping portrayal of a woman who, against all odds, stood by her country and her people during one of history’s darkest periods.
