When you do it right, cooking can be beautiful. When you capture a story about cooking right, it can also be beautiful. The Taste of Things, a new film from Anh Hung Tran celebrates the joy and passion of the culinary arts. It’s also the official selection from France in this year’s International Feature competition.

The film opens with a qualifying release in New York and Los Angeles this week before opening wide in February 2024. It is set in 1885 and follows the relationship of a French Gourmet, Dodin (Benoit Magimel), and his cook, Eugenie (Juliette Binoche). For 20 years they’ve worked together, complimented one another and created magic.

That bond and connection extends beyond the kitchen. They are in a relationship, one that Dodin wants to formalize. Eugenie doesn’t feel the need to get married, but Dodin continues to push the question, trying to find a way to change her mind and prove his love.

This is a love story in two senses. First, it’s a love story between these two souls whose passion and skills have created a beautiful professional marriage. Second, it’s a love story between two souls who are deeply connected and deeply enjoy each other’s company. Both facets are celebrated in the script and construction of the film from Tran.

The opening sequence is beautiful as we see how these characters work together. Before we even know who, they are or what their roles are we see how they communicate wordlessly as they prepare a gourmet meal. The camera work takes its time during the preparation, appreciating the effort and beauty that goes into these creations and celebrating the cuisine they’ve created. Once we’re through that first act, it’s impossible not to be hooked by the world and these characters.

I love the way Tran’s script brings this story to life and I love the beautiful way it’s shot, particularly the many sequences in the kitchen. It shows the artistry that goes into this kind of cuisine and it’s engaging and inspiring.

I also loved the performances from Binoche and Magimel. They have a beautiful chemistry together that brings these two characters to life. I was deeply invested in their relationship and their final sequence together that closes the film is a beautiful coda to the story.

There have been several engaging international releases this year, but The Taste of Things is one of my favorites. It’s beautiful and engaging, a movie that keeps you hooked throughout its run time.

The Taste of Things is in limited release this weekend.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.