Lance Carson
The 2018 Netflix mini-series Perfume is a dark and twisted crime thriller that has received generally positive reviews. Based on Patrick Süskind's acclaimed novel of the same name, the series explores the sensation of scent and human psychology. With well-implemented flashbacks and present-day scenes, the series centres around a murder mystery and its subsequent investigation. While some viewers criticised the show for its graphic violence against women and plot holes, others praised its exceptional cinematography and character development. Overall, Perfume is an impressive and engaging series that will leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plot | The plot is clever but hard to follow, with many characters and some plot holes. |
| Enjoyment | Responses vary, with some viewers impressed and others disappointed. |
| Performance | Acting is generally considered good, with some criticising the character of Nadja Simon. |
| Cinematography | Generally considered good, with interesting locations and unusual architecture. |
| Tone | Dark, twisted, and explicit, with violence, sex, nudity, and gruesome imagery. |
| Themes | Human psychology, the desire to be loved, and the sense of smell. |
| Pacing | Some viewers found it slow. |
| Adaptation | Based on the book Perfume by Patrick Süskind, but very different from the source material. |
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What You'll Learn
The show is beautifully filmed and paced
The Netflix mini-series Perfume has received generally positive reviews for its filming and pacing. The show is an adaptation of Patrick Süskind's acclaimed novel of the same name. The series is set in the present day and follows detectives as they investigate the murder of a singer, whose scent glands were removed from her body.
The show has been praised for its beautiful filming, with one reviewer commenting that it was filmed in "great locations, colours, [and] unusual architecture." The cinematography has been described as "exceptional," with one reviewer noting that it is a "trademark" of German productions. The show also makes good use of flashbacks, which help to establish character dynamics and give depth to the characters' personas.
In terms of pacing, the show has been described as "well-paced," with a good balance between flashbacks and present-day scenes. The story is said to be "intriguing", with a "clever plot," and unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers hooked throughout the season. The show has also been praised for its exploration of the sense of smell and how it ties into the thematic core of the series, which delves into human psychology and the desire to be loved and appreciated.
However, some viewers have criticized the show for its portrayal of violence against women and its explicit content, including sex, nudity, and gruesome imagery. Additionally, some have found the plot to be confusing and the ending disappointing. Despite these mixed reactions, the show has left an impression on its viewers, with some calling it memorable and "the highlight of Netflix 2019."
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It is violent and graphic, particularly towards women
The German Netflix mini-series *Perfume* is based on Patrick Süskind's acclaimed novel of the same name. It is a crime thriller with a unique premise: a singer is found murdered, with her scent glands excised from her body.
While the series has received praise for its acting, cinematography, and characterisation, it has also been criticised for its explicit and graphic violence, particularly towards women. One reviewer on IMDb writes:
> "Yes, there is a lot [of violence against women], and it is often very graphic. But [...] the narrative of exploitation of and violence against women in western culture is a suppressed narrative which should be brought out into the open, and [...] this series makes that narrative very explicit, but not in a way that seems to me to valorize, aestheticize or legitimize it – rather the opposite."
Another review on Rotten Tomatoes calls the show "incredibly misogynist", stating that "every woman in this show is disrespected and they act like they couldn't do anything at all".
The series also includes gruesome imagery, sex, and nudity, which some viewers may find disturbing. One reviewer on Reddit points out the "sloppy writing" and plot holes, particularly regarding the ease with which the murderer is able to hide their activities from the police.
Perfume explores human psychology and the desire to be loved and appreciated, but its dark and disturbing content may not be to everyone's taste.
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The plot is hard to follow
The plot of *Perfume* has been described as "hard to follow". The series has a large number of characters, many of whom have complex backstories and personality disorders, which can make the story difficult to keep track of. The non-linear narrative structure, with frequent flashbacks to the past, may also contribute to the sense that the plot is hard to follow. Some viewers have criticised the writing as ""sloppy"", pointing out plot holes and inconsistencies, particularly towards the end of the series.
The complexity of the plot may be intentional, as the show explores themes of memory, trauma, and the fallibility of human perception. The use of flashbacks and multiple timelines adds depth to the characters and their relationships, but may also make the narrative more challenging to follow. The show also incorporates elements of surrealism and symbolism, which can be disorienting for viewers.
The plot of *Perfume* revolves around a group of former classmates who come under suspicion after a singer is found murdered, with her scent glands excised from her body. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that each of the suspects is hiding dark secrets, and that their pasts are deeply intertwined. The show also explores the idea that humans are subconsciously driven by their sense of smell, particularly in regard to choosing romantic partners.
The large number of characters and complex web of connections between them can make it challenging to keep track of the plot. Additionally, the show includes a significant amount of violence, sex, and nudity, which may be off-putting or distracting for some viewers. While some have criticised the show for its explicit content, others have argued that it is necessary to the narrative and thematic core of the series.
Overall, while the plot of *Perfume* may be challenging to follow at times, this complexity is integral to the show's exploration of human psychology, memory, and perception. The show's non-linear narrative structure and focus on flawed, multifaceted characters add depth and complexity to the story, but may also contribute to the sense that the plot is hard to follow.
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It is a dark and twisted thriller
The German Netflix mini-series *Perfume* is a dark and twisted thriller. Based loosely on Patrick Süskind's acclaimed novel of the same name, the series explores the sensation of scent and human psychology. It is a crime thriller with a difference.
The series centres on the murder of a singer, whose scent glands have been removed from her body. The plot follows detectives as they investigate a group of the victim's former classmates, all of whom seem to know more than they are letting on. As the body count rises, a game of cat and mouse ensues as lead investigator Nadja Simon tries to piece together the clues and find the killer.
The series is full of flawed characters with dark secrets and ugly traits. Nadja herself is involved in a sordid affair with her colleague. The show is explicit and gory, with sex, nudity, and gruesome imagery throughout. It is also violent, with a lot of graphic violence against women. One reviewer notes that while this narrative of exploitation and violence against women is often suppressed, the series makes it explicit.
The series has a Freudian take on murder and is full of sexualised behaviours. It is also full of human depravity and wickedness, with a misanthropic view of the world. It is not for the faint-hearted. However, if you are into dark European crime thrillers, it is worth checking out.
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The show has an interesting take on the psychology of scent
The German Netflix mini-series *Perfume* is a crime thriller that explores the psychology of scent. Based on Patrick Süskind's acclaimed novel of the same name, the show delves into the human psyche and the desire to be loved and appreciated.
The series centres around the murder of a singer, whose scent glands are excised from her body. This unusual detail sets the tone for a show that is dark, twisted, and sexualised. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that scent plays a pivotal role in the narrative. The lead investigator, Nadja, suffers from anosmia (the inability to smell), which is presented as a psychological handicap. Nadja's anosmia is linked to her mental health issues, including attachment problems stemming from childhood abandonment. This inability to smell is suggested to lead to poor partner choices, as humans are said to choose their partners based on scent and DNA matching.
The show also explores the idea that scent is connected to memory and emotion. Flashbacks are used to reveal the dynamics between the characters and their shared history, with scent often triggering these memories. The group of suspects, former classmates of the victim, are connected through their knowledge of scent and perfume-making. As the body count rises, the mystery deepens, and the show becomes a game of cat and mouse as Nadja tries to piece together the clues.
While some viewers found the plot convoluted and hard to follow, others praised its complexity and the show's exploration of the psychology of scent. The series has been described as an "unusual piece of television" that is "dark and convoluted" but also "a piece of art". The show's take on the psychology of scent adds an intriguing layer to the crime thriller genre, offering a unique and memorable viewing experience.
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Frequently asked questions
'Perfume' has received mixed reviews. Some viewers have praised the show for its impressive cinematography, well-implemented flashbacks, and compelling mystery, while others have criticised it for its dark and disturbing content, including graphic violence against women and misogynistic themes. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and tolerance for challenging subject matter.
'Perfume' is a German crime thriller series loosely based on Patrick Süskind's acclaimed novel of the same name. The show centres around the murder of a singer, whose scent glands have been excised from her body, and the subsequent investigation that uncovers dark secrets and flawed characters. It also explores the idea that humans choose their partners based on their sense of smell and the emotional response it elicits.
'Perfume' is available on Netflix.
