As the festive season settles in and we find ourselves nestled comfortably at home, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some fragrant-themed films. If you’ve already exhausted your streaming platforms and are wearily scrolling through terrestrial TV channels, fear not! We’ve curated a delightful list of scent-centric movies to keep you entertained between now and the New Year.
It’s worth noting that we’re seeing an increasing number of fragrance references in films, TV shows, and various forms of culture. This trend is expected to grow even more in the coming year, reflecting the rising interest in our olfactory world. So, let’s dive into some cinematic treats that celebrate the power of scent…
Nose is a more than a documentary following Dior perfumer François Demachy, it’s a paean to the raw ingredients of perfumery, and the hardworking people who grow and harvest the ingredients around the world. Dior describe it as ‘A true “smell good movie” Nose sheds light on one of the most secret jobs in the world.’ And while we mostly remainly quarantined, what a wonderful way to travel by your nose it is.
“Perfume: Story of a Murderer” is a must-watch for any fragrance enthusiast. Based on Patrick Süskind’s infamous novel, this visually stunning adaptation follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an 18th-century French perfumer with an extraordinary sense of smell. His obsession with capturing the scent of young womanhood leads to a chilling series of events. This film not only brought a seemingly unfilmable book to life but also changed the way fragrance was discussed in media. It’s a gripping tale that will leave you pondering the dark side of olfactory obsession.
For a lighter yet equally scent-focused experience, “Perfumes” (aka: Les Parfums) offers a charming exploration of a reclusive French perfumer’s life through the eyes of her new chauffeur. This gentle comedy provides a rare and well-presented look into the world of perfumery. You’ll find yourself smiling at scenes like Guillaume, the chauffeur, discovering his newfound appreciation for smell in a supermarket aisle. It’s a delightful journey that celebrates the art of fragrance creation.
Al Pacino delivers a tour de force performance in “Scent of a Woman”. While not strictly about perfume, this film highlights the importance of our sense of smell. Pacino plays Frank, a blind, retired Army officer with an uncanny ability to identify fragrances. Watch out for the scene where he detects ‘Ogleby Sisters Soap’ on a woman waiting for her date – it’s a masterclass in olfactory observation.
For those who enjoy a bit of whimsy, “Love Blossoms” offers a Hallmark-style take on the perfume world. The story follows a perfumer’s daughter racing to meet a production deadline for her late father’s company’s latest scent. While it may not delve deeply into olfactory intricacies, it’s a cosy film perfect for curling up with on a chilly evening.
Step back in time with “The Women” (1939), a classic film featuring a star-studded all-female cast. Although it only has one perfume-related scene, it’s a memorable one set in a classy department store’s fragrance section. Joan Crawford’s turn as a predatory perfume counter girl is deliciously catty. The film’s sudden switch to full colour during a fashion show sequence is a visual treat that was groundbreaking for its time.
For a more educational experience, seek out the BBC documentary series “Perfume”. This fascinating deep dive into the fragrance business covers everything from the creation process to the revival of perfume houses. Although no longer on BBC iPlayer, you can find episodes on YouTube.
History buffs will appreciate “Birth of a Perfume”, a 1967 British Pathé documentary available on YouTube. Despite the dated ‘Received Pronunciation’ voiceover, it provides a still-relevant look at Grasse and the technical aspects of French perfumery.
Lastly, for those who enjoy a dramatic series, “The Legend of Fragrance” promises an intriguing blend of romance, revenge, and olfactory intrigue set in the Republican era. While we haven’t watched it yet, the premise of a family guarding their secret fragrance recipes against those who would steal them sounds utterly binge-worthy.
As you snuggle down with these fragrant films, you’ll notice how scent is becoming an increasingly prevalent theme in popular culture. This growing trend reflects a wider appreciation for the power of smell, and we can’t wait to see how it develops in the year ahead. So, grab your favourite perfume, spritz liberally, and lose yourself in these olfactory-inspired stories. Happy viewing!
If you’re an Emily in Paris fan, you’ll have already hungrily consumed Season 4 Part 1 as though it were a fresh croissant still warm from the oven; and likely you’ll have devoured our perfume-pairing of the first half of Season 4 as well. Now, with the drop of the second half of this fourth season (releasing episodes 6 – 10), we pick up the perfume bottle challenge once again, scenting some of the main characters as they sashay to new scenery.
But don’t worry. If you’re still frantically trying to catch-up, we can assure you that there are no spoilers here, or in our first fragrance-matching feature! Other than the new setting of Rome. And that’s hardly a ‘spoiler’, being present in the posters of the new series, and having been revealed to fans at a Netflix event ages ago. As Netflix explains, in their fan-blog, this season of Emily in Paris certainly allows us to see some new sides to the city, along with the characters…
‘As you can see in new photos, this season introduces another fresh element to Emily’s Paris — namely, winter. Executive producer and director Andrew Fleming tells Tudum, “We’re getting a different textural feel of Paris. It was fun to think about the city in a different way for scenes that are more dramatically oriented, and to see Paris not all sunny and flowery but to see it a little gray and cosier and people in coats and dark skies. It’s just as beautiful during the winter, if not more so.”
Naturally, that includes lots of new layers, both sartorially and culturally. “Emily is really coming into her own, asserting herself, becoming much stronger with a style that is reinterpreting Parisian fashion codes,” costume designer Marylin Fitoussi tells Tudum. “And our motto was obviously to have fun, but to take maximum risks.” And don’t forget, Emily has a Roman holiday in her future when she heads to Italy in Part 2…’
If you are caught-up with the first part of Season 4, and don;t mind a little teaser of what’s to come, do have a little look at the official trailer for the second drop:
Some of the characters we scented first time around will be fragrance-matched again, here, to reflect the new setting. And other new characters will not appear in this feature, as to introduce them would be to spoil some important (and pivotal) plot points for viewers not fully up to speed with the series. So, let’s relax, and take these recommendations in the frothy, unashamedly frivolous nature of the show itself…
Emily – Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Unica
Just like Emily, who runs full force into every situation, this nuanced fragrance is designed for ‘a soul who approaches life with curiosity, authenticity, and an open-minded attitude.’ With its vibrant notes of Italian bergamot and marine accord at the top, Signorina Unica unfurls like a sunny day in Rome, inviting you to explore its depths. The heart reveals a floral bouquet featuring white azalea and violet, echoing Emily’s emerging chicness and emotional maturity, yet still playful style. As it warms, the base of tiramisu cream and vanilla bean absolute provide a sweet, comforting finish that provides a much-needed grounding for her adventurous personality.
Just as Gabriel strives for culinary perfection, this fragrance aims to create the perfect balance of warmth and sophistication, opening with a spicy burst, reminiscent of the aromatic in the kitchen he should probably spend more time in than the bedroom, one cannot help but reflect… The initial zest mirrors his passionate pursuit of that coveted Michelin star (among other things), a goal that constantly simmers in the background of, well, everything else currently simmering. As the fragrance develops, the heart of Virginia cedar gives a soul-grounding element Gabriel desperately needs, atop the rich amber/vanilla base, reflecting the sweet success he craves (professionally, romantically, or both? Only time will tell!)
Opening with a burst of pink pepper, this mirrors Sylvie’s razor-sharp wit and fiery determination. The heart of the fragrance unfolds with nonchalantly chic notes of sandalwood, reflecting Sylvie’s (seemingly, at least) unwavering confidence in the face of challenges. Meanwhile, the warm, musky dry-down echoes Sylvie’s hidden depths and sensuality, and even the name, (“Why not?“), perfectly aligns with her fearless approach to both high-stake career and romantic decisions. It’s a fragrance that says, ‘I’m here, I’m fabulous, and I’m not afraid to take risks,’ while the subtle complexity reflects the same confidence she exudes in her impeccably tailored outfits, and the emotional maelstrom beneath.
Translating to “Winter Sky”, we’re whisked away to the snow-peaked setting of the French Alps, as part two of the fourth season opens. Just like Luc’s quirky and unpredictable nature, this scent begins with an invigorating burst of juniper berries and cardamom, capturing the crisp mountain air and giving us a peek at Luc’s inner character – sometimes as clear and bright as a crisp winter day, other times as mysterious and unpredictable as a snowstorm. A subtle heart of iris and violet evoke delicate alpine flowers peeking through the snow, much like genuine emotions occasionally breaking through his eccentric exterior; while the base notes of cedarwood and white musk create a warm, comforting finish that reflects Luc’s role as the office’s unexpected voice of reason.
With its invigorating notes of frozen basil and iced mint, here’s a fragrance that perfectly matches Julien’s cool look and often icy demeanour. The heart of pear granita adds a touch of sweetness as it melts, revealing the softer side hidden beneath his ever-stylish exterior. Grounded by the innovative Physcool® molecule, we’re reminded of the chilly air surrounding the opening of episodes of this season’s second serving; and of the ambition and competition (both professionally and in matters of the heart). H24 Herbes Vives really serves as Julien’s aromatic armour, and embodying his determination to make a mark in the heady world of luxury fashion.
We’ve been waiting for Wednesday for ages – Wednesday Addams, that is – and now the Netflix show has proved to be even better than the anticipation and trailers had promised, topping the prime spots for streaming around the world!
So, because I believe fragrance to be an art form as deserving of cultural comparisons as any other (indeed, ideally suited to character explorations); of course I immediately set about pairing some of the main characters to perfumes they might match with.
It truly gladdens my ex-goth heart to see the original Addams Family cartoons (and previous adaptations) honoured in such a way. First published in 1938, Charles Addams work was regularly featured in The New Yorker, and he went on to draw over 1,300 cartoons during his career. In 1964 the first TV show starring the delightfully ghoulish family aired in America, with a series of successful films starting in 1991, and an animated movie premiering in 2019 (with a sequel expected in 2023).
Netflix’s Wednesday differs from the others in the genre because they allow Wednesday to grow up. We’re used to seeing the character as a little girl – albeit a scarily sarcastic, spookily adept and sword-fighting child – but here, she’s a fifteen-year old begrudgingly starting a new boarding school, and very much the central character rather than a cutesy little smart-ass sidekick. The students of Nevermore mostly fall into four categories:‘Fangs (vampires), Furs, (werewolves), Scales (sirens) and Stoners (gorgons)’ as Enid succinctly describes them while showing Wednesday around on her first day. Wednesday doesn’t really fit any of these groups, and is glad of it.
For those who already love the show, I hope this will tempt you to try some scents you may never have heard of; for those who don’t know the series or, perhaps care (quelle horreur!) about the characters, let this be your guide to peruse some fragrances that may be out of your comfort zone, but are frighteningly good anyway…
Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) – Zoologist Bat
Startlingly intelligent and a loner by heart, she’d really like to be left alone to write her novel or work on her ghoulish inventions. Difficult when there’s a monstrous murder spree to investigate, and even more challenging when the scariest things of all she must face are socialising with other teens, and dealing with her feelings.
This is the perfect perfume for Wednesday because not only would she delight in telling people what she was wearing, it has an enigmatic sparkle to the darkness it evokes. Shadowy vetiver smears velvet skies, a ripple of piquant exotic fruits surprising the damp earthiness, drifts of incense curling through glimmering jasmine and mossy forest floors to the pitch black leather base.
The epitome of va-va-voom goth glamour, withering put-downs (delivered with a disarming smile) and loyal to a fault, her overt passion for her partner causes the kids many cringe-y moments, but she always puts family first. While at Nevermore, Morticia was Queen of the social scene (quite the opposite of Wednesday) but during her time there, perhaps she harboured sinister secrets of her own?
Did you know cyanide smells like almond? Cleverly cloaked in clouds of apricot, luscious plum and waxy white flowers, narcotic tendencies are softly smothered by creamy sandalwood and a fluffy base flecked with wildly addictive vanilla. Revisit this, and I defy you not to spend the entire day being enraptured by your own smell, and capturing the hearts of everyone who encounters you, darrrrling.
Gomez Addams (Luis Guzmán) – Eight & Bob Nuit de Megève
Always dapper, ever-stylish and cheekily charming, the exuberant Patriarch of the Addams clan met his beloved Morticia in their Nevermore Academy days. Their ardour still burns bright, and there’s no doubting his love for his family; but darker secrets will always out, and a disturbing discovery casts doubts. Could Gomez be hiding a dubious past behind his playful present self…?
Resonating with a smoky grandeur of days gone by, this is a fragrance that simmers with passion and exudes the kind of charm to fall instantly in love with. One to be worn while waltzing scandalously as vetiver, tobacco and coffee are shot through with grapefruit zest and the bitterness of petit grain. Pop the corks and pull out all stops, it’s party-central and non-stop fun with this fragrance!
Enid Sinclair (Emma Myers) – Contradictions in ILK Sincere
Colourful, friendly, optimistic and bubbling over with school spirit, Enid is the rainbow to Wednesday’s storm cloud. Romantic, rather too trusting, Enid is the friend we all need to to stand by us, even when we’re grouchy. But don’t underestimate her cheerful joie de vivre for weakness; she’sa werewolf after all, so she has a force of spirit that, when pushed, means the claws will come out.
Sincere is the scent to wear when you need a reassuring hug. It wraps you in a fuzzy nuzzle of peach and swathes with a fluffy blanket of iris and ambrette seed. Ylang ylang grants an instant hit of happiness, while creamy coconut and white musk softly cosset. This house suggest layering scents to reveal the true you. Might I suggest Enid reaches for their ‘Devious‘ for feeding the wolf within?
Larissa Weems (Gwendoline Christie) – Robert Piguet Fracas
Forced to confront her past failures via the offspring of her most deadly nemesis, Larissa’s cool, calm icy exterior is truly put to the test when Wednesday appears and causes havoc. The backbone of the school, her position of Principal has been hard-earned, and Larissa relishes the respect all the more for having been overlooked all her life. The centre of attention, now, she’s not letting go without a fight.
For Christie’s portrayal of Lucifer in my Scenting The Sandman feature I chose another Piguet perfume, but here, she is pure Fracas. A scene-stealing, room-filling fragrance which can never be ignored, Fracas glistens like an eerily perfect spear of tuberose captured in a block of ice. Exuding the carnality of a steel-boned white silk gown, only those latently aware of their own magnificence dare wear it.
Thing (Victor Dorobantu) – Juliette Has a Gun NOT a Hand Cream
A ‘hand-servant’ whose lineage apparently dates back several generations for their family serving the Addams Family (nope, I’ve no idea either, let’s go with it), Thing comes in very handy (sorry) as a spy for Wednesday. Communicating by tapping, pointing and typing, don’t let appearances deceive: Wednesday reveals early on that Thing is incredibly vain and has a penchant for perfumed hand lotions.
This niche French brand love cheekily playing with expectations, and this hand cream matches the ‘NOT a Perfume’ – so named because it contains the single synthetic aroma molecule of Cetalox. Often used in the base of a scent to add longevity and a clean but musky warmth, it lingers for ages on skin, is allergen-free and so hands feel luxuriously pampered while being beautifully perfumed.
One of the ‘Normies’ (people without special powers) who live in town, Tyler nonetheless makes a magic brew. Working as a barista in the local coffee bar, he meets Wednesday and becomes utterly intrigued by her. As the sheriff’s son, he has access to criminal case files, which proves more useful (and unsettling) on more than one occasion. And he’s yet another harbouring deep secrets of his own…
Reminiscent of that bewitching allure that fills a cosy coffee shop on a dull day, it’s all lemon-washed steamy windows, a bitter richness balanced by the intriguingly cool and aromatic spice of cardamom. Meanwhile, the inkiness of newsprint thrums in the beautifully grounded base, a dark swathe hinting at deep-seated feelings that cannot be contained. Inspired by addictions, marvellously more-ish.
While she may seem like the stereotypical ‘mean girl’ of the school when we first meet her, Bianca’s been through some stuff which, while it doesn’t forgive her hostility toward Wednesday, at least explains it. As a siren, Bianca has the power to persuade people with her words (and must wear an amulet at all times to weaken this ability), though tends to bury her struggles beneath barbed observations.
This fragrance was specially developed by neuroscientists in collaboration with the perfumer Aurelian Guichard, an addictive duo of what is often found to be the most universally adored note of vanilla is used in both absolute and C02 extracted form. Rippled with rum and golden rivulets of resinous olibanum and Haitian vetiver, it’s one you’ll come back to time and again – once sniffed, never forgotten.
A ‘psychic painter’ who can make his drawings come to life, Xavier’s an irritation for Wednesday when she first meets him, though the feeling isn’t mutual. The ex paramour of Bianca, he’s a bit of an enigma, but whatever his motives (and his many secrets) there’s no doubting those feelings cause him heartache. Intrigued with Xavier despite herself, of course Wednesday would be drawn to mysteries.
Championing the concept of fragrance as an art form, D’Otto bring famous paintings to life through their compositions, this one echoing Kazimir Severinovič Malevič’s revolutionary Black Square via the simmering warmth of black pepper and carnation, red sandalwood and Bulgarian rose plunging to the plush, velvety darkness draped with Indian oudh and a sweetness that cuts through the shadows.
Oh poor Eugene – he’s a trier. Hopelessly in love with Enid, he consistently fails to catch her eye, but never stops hoping, bless his heart. Although he’s far more comfortable tending to his bees, Eugene’s quest for adventure comes to the fore as his friendship with Wednesday builds, to the point he’s determined to prove himself no matter what. If only he knew it, he’s incredibly loveable already.
A really good introduction to how oudh can be used almost as a seasoning instead of the main flavour – here, it darkens the sweetness to add great depth, such as can be found the wild honey gathered from forest bees who’ve also feasted on whole meadows. Amidst the deliciousness, incense smoke drifts dreamily. Completely cuddly, warm and welcoming, it’s the sort of sweetness Enid deserves.
Ajax Petropolis (Georgie Farmer) – Comme des Garçons Concrete
Being one of the ‘stoners’ isn’t quite the usual connotation for this student, as Ajax is a gorgon who can turn people to stone with a glance. Rather embarrassingly, that includes himself on occasion, which doesn’t exactly help his romantic chances with Enid. Sweetly insecure but desperately wanting to be braver, when he ventures outside of his comfort zone it doesn’t always go to plan.
An olfactory ode to ‘a versatile material [in] unpredictable form’, this surprisingly approachable fragrance fuses a mineral-like waft of chalkiness to the rich, soothingly creamy essence of sandalwood and the most transparent rose, created by synthetic rose oxide – a molecule that turns the flower on its head and adds acres of luminescent lightness, a breath of fresh air. Time to get stoned!
