How to Watch The Taste of Things (2023): Find Streaming Options for the French Culinary Drama

The Taste of Things (French: La Passion de Dodin Bouffant) is a 2023 French historical romantic drama, directed by Trần Anh Hùng and starring acclaimed actors Juliette Binoche and Benoît Magimel. Set in the late 19th century, this cinematic masterpiece brings together food, love, and companionship in an unforgettable way. The film, which had its world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, not only captivated audiences with its lush cinematography but also won Tran Anh Hung the prestigious Best Director award.

A Feast for the Senses

At its heart, The Taste of Things is a love story between the characters of Eugénie (Juliette Binoche), a devoted cook, and Dodin (Benoît Magimel), a gourmand who revels in the artistry of fine cuisine. Their relationship is built on a shared passion for food, where their love blossoms amid the meticulous preparation of meals. The setting—a French country estate in 1889—provides a picturesque backdrop for the film's exploration of how cooking can become a form of communication and connection.

The character of Dodin Bouffant, as portrayed by Magimel, is inspired by the famous figure from Marcel Rouff's 1924 novel La Vie et la passion de Dodin-Bouffant, gourmet. Rouff’s novel celebrates the epicurean lifestyle, and this film adaptation reflects that joy in all its gastronomic splendor.

The Intricate Dance of Food and Emotion

The plot follows the slow-burn romance of Eugénie and Dodin, who have worked together for years perfecting the craft of culinary excellence. Despite their long-term relationship, they maintain an unconventional dynamic, with Dodin repeatedly proposing marriage, and Eugénie declining, content with their current arrangement. They find happiness in the kitchen, developing new recipes and refining old favorites, as the art of cooking becomes a metaphor for their evolving relationship.

Eugénie's health deteriorates throughout the film, and in a tender act of love, Dodin prepares an intricate meal for her, hidden within it an engagement ring. This moment represents the culmination of their deep emotional bond, sealed through the act of cooking and shared meals.

A Reflection on the Role of Women and Power

While The Taste of Things immerses audiences in the sensory delights of 19th-century French cuisine, it also subtly touches on the power dynamics between men and women during the era. Eugénie's refusal to marry Dodin underscores her desire to retain her independence, even in a society that often viewed women through the lens of domesticity. She chooses to express herself through her culinary talents, preferring to converse with those around her through the food she prepares.

This complex layer of the film gives it a modern resonance, showing how the roles of women—both in the kitchen and in society—were intertwined with notions of control, creativity, and identity.

A Culinary Delight on Screen

The film is not just about love but also about the art of gastronomy. Every meal prepared on screen is given the same attention to detail as the finest French cuisine. From the hand-picked vegetables to the elegantly prepared fish, the process of creating food becomes a cinematic spectacle, each dish a visual masterpiece.

French chef Pierre Gagnaire acted as the film’s culinary director, ensuring that the dishes depicted are as authentic as they are mouth-watering. The film revels in the artistry of cooking, celebrating the skill, patience, and passion required to create gourmet meals. It invites viewers to slow down and savor the experience, much like the meals that are so lovingly prepared in the film.

Critical Acclaim

The Taste of Things has been met with universal acclaim from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an impressive 97% approval rating, with critics praising the film's sumptuous visuals and the deeply moving performances from both Binoche and Magimel. The New York Times hailed the film for its "perfectly balanced experience," while Vanity Fair described it as "a love story for the soul." RogerEbert.com noted the film’s "delicate balance," calling it a "magic trick" of storytelling.

The film was also chosen as France’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards, further solidifying its place as one of the year's standout films.

A Return to the Fundamentals of Storytelling

While The Taste of Things might seem like a simple tale on the surface, its deep emotional core and masterful direction make it anything but ordinary. By focusing on the subtleties of human relationships, Tran Anh Hung creates a film that transcends its period setting, offering timeless reflections on love, art, and the human experience.

With its rich cinematography, heartfelt performances, and masterful depiction of the culinary arts, The Taste of Things is a film that will resonate long after the credits roll.