My Rating: 3.83/4 (aka Definitely worth your time)

One line summary: The love story of a longtime cook in 19th century France.

The Deets: This is a slow, deliberate, beautiful, sumptuous, delicious movie, and you should see it. Juliette Binoche is perfect in the lead role; she seems totally at ease in the kitchen (for almost the entire time she’s on screen), and yet we can feel she is holding something back, a knowing, that is gracefully revealed. This is also a period piece, and this is part of its charm – no phones, no electricity, no running water, no distractions. Just the day’s work, the fastidious and dedicated work of cooking with love and deep care. There aren’t enough food movies (for a food lover like me), but this one is in the upper echelon; the camera gets in close so we can taste and smell, and you will definitely finish hungry. It’s also a love story; between man and woman, for cooking, and for commitment to food artistry.

Perfect for: Anyone who loves food films, French films, and period pieces. But especially if you love to watch beautiful food on screen.

Where to watch: You can finally rent it on streaming and you really should.

Food pairing: This is impossible to choose, so I suggest you eat heartily before you watch.