Review by John P. Harvey.
In late-nineteenth-century France, Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), a renowned French cook, has been working for Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a gourmet chef passionate about creating new recipes, for two decades. Their ease in working with each other, with the help of Dodin’s all-round assistant Violette (Galatéa Bellugi), shows in the dance of their simultaneous preparation of feast upon feast in Dodin’s large kitchen, and their abiding mutual love is palpable even with their backs to each other.
Eugénie pours her love for cookery and for Dodin into the dishes they make, and often Dodin invites four firm friends around to share the result. It’s a life of joy for them all; but eventually Dodin’s abiding friendships will become vital.
Into this routine comes Violette’ niece, Pauline (Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire), who at about 14 years of age is quickly drawn into assisting in the kitchen; and when Dodin discovers Pauline’s rare talent for discerning flavours, he realises that she could benefit by apprenticeship to Eugénie.
This movie is a gastronomic delight, with subtle acting all round and gorgeous lighting and cinematography. If by its end the chemistry between Eugénie and Dodin hasn’t quickened your breath; if the strategic gastronomic conversation between Dodin and his four male fellow gourmands hasn’t brought a smile; if the creation of complex culinary masterpieces daily hasn’t left you inspired; if the sublime cinematography has failed to widen your eyes: check yourself for a pulse.
Screening at Dendy and Palace cinemas.
