Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018) Mrs Hester Appleyard's black mourning costume

In the opening scene of Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018), we see Mrs Appleyard (Natalie Dormer) standing in a window. The shot is slightly unfocussed. Beyond the sense of the statuesque, which is conveyed by her dark clothes, wide hat and veil – and the intimidating silhouette of her highly structured gown – the details are hard to pin down. Quickly, we learn that Mrs Appleyard, the mysterious teacher who oversees Appleyard college, deals in impressions: “people always believe their own eyes”, her voice drawls in voice-over. In her imperious dark mourning dress, the transformation from wayward London urchin Hester into the respected Mrs Appleyard is complete.