A French period drama hailed as 'a gourmand's dream of a film' is now streaming on BBC iPlayer, with fans calling it 'the end-all-be-all of foodie films'. Titled A Taste Of Things, the 2023 historical romantic drama is set in 1889 and centres on the 20-year collaboration between esteemed gourmet Dodin and his chef, Eugénie.
The film explores their profound, unvoiced affection conveyed through shared culinary mastery. When Eugénie falls ill and rejects marriage, Dodin begins cooking for her, reversing their roles. The cast includes Galatéa Bellugi as Violette, Bonnie Chagneau-Ravoire as Pauline, Benoît Magimel as Dodin, and Juliette Binoche as Eugénie.
Since its debut, the film has garnered immense acclaim, boasting a near-flawless 97 percent score from fan reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. One reviewer described it as 'lovely, from the garden to the kitchen to the exquisite prep, cook, serve of the dishes, gastronomically and emotionally fulfilling'. Another added, 'Although the film features some excellent scenes showcasing mouth-watering dishes, it also has a touching and dramatic love story.'
A third fan wrote, 'Even though I normally don't watch films with subtitles, I loved this film. It was the most beautiful homage to gastronomy and relationships.' Another called it 'a beautiful and soulful film about food and love', while a fifth declared it 'basically the end-all-be-all of foodie films'.
One review praised the 'extraordinary movie of love and life', noting 'breathtaking cinematography and scenery captivates the beauty of provincial France'. Another lauded the 'stunningly romantic and compellingly fascinating' film, adding that 'the cooking scenes are absolutely brilliant, detailed and realistic yet extremely entertaining'.
