A Gentleman in Moscow (2024)

Today we take a bit of a dip into the world of A Gentleman in Moscow (2024), the new Paramount+ drama starring Ewan McGregor and (real-life wife) Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and based on the novel of the same name by Amor Towles. Only five episodes are out as of this writing, with three more set to drop in the coming weeks, but I wanted to drum up some interest here for the frock flick content, seeing has the last two shows I’ve reviewed (Capote vs. The Swans and The New Look) have been total duds when it comes to costumes.

The brief synopsis of this show is that Ewan plays Count Rostov, a Russian nobleman who has found himself on the wrong side of the Bolshevik Revolution in 1921. About to be sentenced to a swift execution, his life is spared by some higher-ups who think he wrote an anonymous poem supporting the revolution. That said, he is sentenced to life imprisonment in the Hotel Metropol in Moscow. He’s allowed to roam the hotel and interact with staff and guests, but he can never leave the confines of the building. It’s an interesting set up that immediately had me wondering how on earth they’re going to build an entire plot around the concept, and so far, I’m pretty gripped by how much drama a single setting can generate for a character.

Similarly, you wouldn’t think there would be a lot of opportunity for costume content with such a restrictive setting, but the fact that the hotel caters to the Russian elite means there’s plenty of good eye candy to enjoy, as the show covers about three decades of Rostov’s life in the hotel.

Rostov (center), flanked by the two characters who have the most impact on him: Anna (left), the beautiful actress; and Nina (right), a precocious child who befriends him almost immediately and later becomes an important fixture in Rostov’s life.

The costumes were designed by Sam Perry, whose work is probably best known to our readers from Sanditon (2019), season 1. The budget for A Gentleman in Moscow was apparently pretty good, because the costumes and sets are gorgeous. Sadly, there haven’t been any sweepingly effusive articles singing Perry’s praises in the press, so I’m not able to drop in any quotes about her process and inspiration, so we will just have to appreciate the images here and take my word for it: The costumes are excellent.

The show begins in 1921. Nina’s outfits are appropriate for both her age (about 12, near as I can tell), and the year. She’s also always dressed in bright yellow, which sets her apart like a little ray of sunshine in Rostov’s life. Loved that little touch.

Because without the bright spot of Nina in his life, this is basically what it would look like.

I think this is what is called “painterly” cinematography. Also, glimpsed in this photo is the portrait of Rostov’s sister, which is important to the plot.

Rostov manages to charm the hotel staff, which leads to suspicions that he may be plotting to escape by gaining their trust.

The costume content gets an injection of fabulousness once Anna shows up in the second episode. She’s an actress who arrives at the hotel to much fanfare.

And Anna gets a good number of fabulous gowns, as befits her star status.

Even her daywear is great and totally on point for the early 1920s. I just love that shirred velvet touch. SO 1920s!

As the years pass, Rostov becomes more than just a fixture at the hotel.

Rostov and Anna’s relationship carried across the years.

But the question remains … Will Rostov ever have his freedom? Guess I’ll just have to keep watching to find out!

Are you watching A Gentleman in Moscow (2024)? Let’s talk about it in the comments!

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Tags: 1920s 1930s 1940s A Gentleman in Moscow (2024) adapted from books Ewan McGregor historical accuracy Mary Elizabeth Winstead mustachios Paramount+ Russia Russian Revolution Sam Perry strangely hot mustaches TV

1 thought on “A Gentleman in Moscow (2024)”

Gail says:

April 25, 2024 at 6:53 am

Loved the novel.
Loving the show – including production values. Scene at the end of episode 4 made me teary.
Costumes and hair so much better than Sanditon.