Genius and Craft
Reynolds learned his craft from his mother, and he has grown to become the head of the leading fashion house in London. He's what many would deem a genius, but he knows all to well that what people call genius he earned through hard work. This is why he keeps his routine every day in order to grease the wheels of creativity and imagination he understands he must give everything of himself. This is the only way to become and stay on top.
Reliance
This theme becomes central to Alma's relationship to Reynolds. She needs him to need her, to want her, and he does not; at least he doesn't in the way she desires. Reynolds has never relied on anyone in his life, and Alma seeks to show him that it is necessary. This becomes the metaphor for why she poisons him, in order for him to become weak and vulnerable, to open up to her in a way she needs so that she can nurse him back to health and release him back into his work, his strength. And from this, she is strengthened.
Monster or Genius
Reynolds is the elite designer in the London couture world. He's earned his place there, but it has also created in him the understanding that no one can compete with his mind and creativity. This makes him cold towards people who aren't on his level, and he walks the line between being a genius and a monster.
