Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

If you want science fiction that respects its own premise, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer is available in Australia on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, and in the US on Kanopy and Hoopla right now. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Ben Whishaw sets the tone, and the world-building does the rest. Available now on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

There is a reason Perfume: The Story of a Murderer keeps coming up in conversation. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer treats its concept seriously enough to follow it all the way through. Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, born in the stench of 18th century Paris, develops a superior olfactory sense, which he uses to create the world's finest perfumes. However, his work takes a dark turn as he tries to preserve scents in the search for the ultimate perfume. Ben Whishaw and Alan Rickman lead a cast that keeps the bigger ideas grounded in something human. It hit screens in 2006. Perfume: The Story of a Murderer resists the temptation to explain everything, trusting the audience to sit with ambiguity. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

Sci-fi fans who want ideas alongside the spectacle will find Perfume: The Story of a Murderer genuinely rewarding. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. It is a manageable watch, easy to fit into a single evening. Ben Whishaw's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.