Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

Quick Info
Based on Patrick Süskind's 1985 bestselling novel, "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer" is a tantalizing nose-dive into the world of scent and the human obsession for capturing the ephemeral. Set in the 18th-century France, it tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born with a superhuman sense of smell but without a scent of his own.
The film is incredibly atmospheric, heightened by its rich cinematography and lavish production design. Yet, it's Ben Whishaw's menacing and magnetic performance as Grenouille that leaves an unforgettable trail. His journey to create the ultimate perfume is both disturbing and engrossing. The depth of his olfactory obsession could leave you, at least momentarily, a more scent-aware individual.
Perhaps, where "Perfume" loses its scent is its insistence on visualizing something as intangible as smell. Some scenes might feel uncomfortable or even gratuitous. Still, if you're the kind of movie enthusiast who’s fascinated by offbeat, dark narratives and mesmerizing performances, give "Perfume" a whiff. It ought to be as unique an experience as its protagonist.