The Taste of Things (2023) – Movie Review/Summary

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In a film heavily focused on the art of food, sometimes it makes the characters and story secondary.

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General Information

Content Rating Explanation

• Dialog: nothing notable
• Violence: outside of how some already dead animals are cut up or disemboweled, nothing
• Sexual Content: brief nudity, mainly of the backside
• Miscellaneous: drinking and smoking

Plot Summary

For over 20 years, Eugenie has cooked for Dodin. He is known as the Napolean of the Culinary arts, but Eugenie’s work in the kitchen is what he finds to be perfection, making him feel alive.

Hence why, for years, he has proposed to her. But with their arrangement allowing her a certain independence, she has constantly said no. But, as they age, and she takes to a young lady as a potential apprentice, it seems life has entered a new season.

But, whether it is their summer, their autumn, or the end, it becomes a concern.

Character Descriptions

Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.

Eugenie

Eugenie, the daughter of a notable French pastry chef and a tough teacher, is touted by Dodin to be one of the few people who can execute his recipes and bring them to a whole new level. Hence, his love for her and worries when she begins showing signs she might be ill.

• The actor is also known for their role in “Clouds of Sils Maria.”

Dodin

Known to some as the Napolean of the Culinary Arts, Dodin is highly sought after due to his knowledge and his combined work with Eugenie.

• The actor is also known for their role in “An Easy Girl.”

Review

Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)

Highlights

Dodin and Eugenie’s Chemistry

There is something about a chemistry where grand gestures aren’t necessary to show attraction. With Eugenie and Dodin, it is based purely on admiration, a mutual understanding, and even a certain longing for the other person.

You can see love shown when the roles switch, and Dodin cooks for her, with wanting even broth to be perfect. It’s in them walking his estate, joking like teenagers, despite him saying they are in their autumn years.

Though most of all, it is in them being content without pushing the idea they have settled. If not happy, as a state of being rather than a feeling that could easily shift on a whim.

On The Fence

An Exuberant Amount Of Time Shown Preparing Food and Eating It

More of the movie is spent watching food be prepared and experienced than anything else. Now, yes, at times, you will be in awe of what is cooked. You may even find yourself feeling like a novice in an advanced-level cooking class as you hear various names and words that might be foreign.

But watching food being made and reacted to does lose its luster. As it makes you hungry, you’ll yearn for more than fanciful displays of food. You’ll want more of the film’s core relationship.

Which, yes, you get, but as it becomes clear food is at the center of their love, so do you have to resign yourself that food will also be the centerpiece of the movie. Almost like how an action movie wants to focus on car chases and fights but feels obligated to have a story as well.

Who Is This For?

Those who love the art of cooking, and seeing the joy of people sharing a meal.

Recommendations

If you like this movie, we recommend:

1. Julia: Based on Julia Child’s rise as a chef, for those who love watching people cook and eating, this is for you.
2. Sweetbitter: The two-season series, focused on the personalities and food in a high-scale restaurant, has the drama, the romance, and the passion that makes for a good watch.

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Discussion Items

Let us know your thoughts in the comments:

1. What are some of your favorite cooking shows or movies?