Set in 1889, in the French countryside, the film follows Dodin (Benoît Magimel), dubbed “The Napoleon of Gastronomy,” and the peaceful life he lives with his beloved cook Eugenie (Juliette Binoche).
The take
If it’s true that to cook is to love, then Dodin and Eugenie must be enraptured by one another. They use the exquisite language of food to express their feelings for one another, and watching their exchange, you can’t help but feel honored, if not embarrassed, to witness such an intimate and love-filled act. Food is everywhere here, delicately prepared and sumptuously consumed, but the film is more than just a glorified Food Network program. It’s a painting come to life, a love letter to craft, and a beautiful example of a life fully lived.
What stands out
The sunlight peeking through the windows every golden hour was a paid actor.