Once a star of the high-end perfume world, reclusive “nose” Anne Walberg (celebrated actress Emmanuelle Devos; Moka, A Christmas Tale) applies her storied perfectionism and sensory super powers to solving a variety of olfactory puzzles – from recreating the scent of a prehistoric cave for a new tourist attraction, to covering the aroma of over-tanned leather in a batch of designer handbags.
Hired on as Madame Walberg’s driver, gregarious Guillaume (Grégory Montel, Call My Agent) chafes at her haughty demeanor and unusual demands, but is obliged to see the job through in order to secure a new apartment and gain custody of his daughter. Their battle of wills eventually gives way to a budding friendship that gives both Anne and Guillaume a renewed sense of possibility. Working in consultation with Christine Nagel, in-house perfumer at Hermes, writer-director Grégory Magne offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the world of French perfume and an exquisite testament to the emotional power of scent. Anchored by gorgeous cinematography and a pair of nuanced and wonderfully charming lead performances, Perfumes is like a spritz of Chanel No. 5: sparkling and impeccably French.
