The Taste of Things Parent Guide

Dodin Bouffant (Benoit Magimel) may own an estate, but his heart is with his kitchen – and his cook. Eugenie (Juliette Binoche) is no mere household help; she’s a gifted chef who works side by side with Dodin in crafting culinary masterpieces that delight his friends. When the opportunity arises to cook for a Eurasian prince, the couple will need to combine their skill and artistry to produce an unforgettable meal. There’s just one problem: Eugenie has started having fainting spells and no one knows what’s wrong…

There are two love stories in this film. The first is between Dodin and Eugenie, who are involved in a comfortable, long-standing affair. Dodin regularly proposes marriage but Eugenie refuses, insisting that she would lose her bodily autonomy were she a wife. She is happy with Dodin’s company and does not seek the legal status of marriage.

The movie’s greater passion is for food. This film presents some of the most beautiful food porn I’ve ever seen. Glorious meals are painstakingly cooked and lovingly served, with the camera lingering on each portion. Scenes are bathed in warm, golden light, giving still life shots the appearance of fine oil paintings. You can smell the onions, taste the rich cream sauces, and feel the crisp crackle of the bread crust. This is a profoundly sensual movie but it has little to do with sex.

In fact, the film has little negative content overall. The only thing most parents will object to is the affair (which is off-screen) and related brief moments of female buttock nudity. There is also plenty of wine consumption, but that is to be expected in a French film focused on gastronomy. Some parents will be troubled when a young teenager is given wine with a meal, but the movie is free of interpersonal violence and contains a single profanity. The PG-13 rating is suitable, but, frankly, this isn’t a film that will appeal to most teens.

In fact, I don’t think The Taste of Things possesses mass appeal. The movie is undoubtedly lovely to look at, but it has thin plot, spread out over a very, very slow two and a half hours. You have to really love looking at food, watching people cook, and watching people consume multi-course meals, if you are to enjoy this production. Yes, the movie has finely drawn characters – Eugenie, in particular is composed, confident in her talents, generous, and discerning – and the cast members are fully committed to their roles. And, yes, the cinematography is stunning. But if you, like me, prefer a movie to be built around a story with a strong plot and a clear resolution, you are going to be disappointed. If, however, you are looking for a movie that brings food to life, this is the show for you. Be prepared: this movie is guaranteed to make your mouth water.