Carême

I didn't expect to like this original series from Apple+. I thought it was going to be like one of those cheesy erotic cooking videos on Tik-Tok, and Apple+ has a terrible track record when it comes to its original programming.

But, Mon Dieu, I was, how you say? Surprised.

The series is well written, and a feast for the eyes; with great period detail. They put money into this project.

Lead actor, Benjamin Voisin has bags of personality and appeal and is quite a good actor.

On another level, the French intrigue makes this a spy story, as well as, an historical one.

And the culinary aspect is very appealing.

Causing the issue because something had the character or I should say actor who played the character Joseph Fouché sounding horrible and so unpleasant to the ears. The experience was that it was just someone going way over the top, trying to be evil and overacting ridiculously. It was such a distraction from the show that it took it from what would've probably been a nine down to a six for me. The rest of the acting was very enjoyable and not over the top and suited the period piece well. Every word that came out of the actor who played Joseph Fouché was just so over exaggerated and unnecessarily loud. It raked on my nerves. It really made me think this person needs to have gone and watched the show Tropic thunder and look at what Oscar winner Robert Downey Jr. Says about overacting and going to 100 when you're playing the bad guy. It's something you just don't ever do for reasons he list. Now how we ever gonna see this guy is anything other than this mousy overbearing bad acting character? I think he will have to change and play a different role with a different Voice or he's just forever going to be that character yuck! Because I enjoyed the show and didn't like having my nerves put on edge every time he talked, I wish they would redo his voice in it because that's probably not even the real Actor's voice and if somebody they just had dubbed in and they just go from being quiet to very loud way too much and with way too much emphasis in places where it just doesn't belong.

At the heart of Carême is Benjamin Voisin's captivating performance as Antonin Carême, an orphaned pastry prodigy whose culinary genius propels him from the slums of Paris to the opulent courts of Europe. Voisin masterfully captures Carême's fiery ambition and complex moral compass as he navigates a world where every dish can be a political statement and every alliance a potential betrayal. His portrayal brings depth to a character torn between the pursuit of gastronomic perfection and the seductive lures of power and fame.

The series intricately weaves Carême's culinary journey with his reluctant entanglement in espionage, orchestrated by the cunning diplomat Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, played with sly sophistication by Jérémie Renier. Their dynamic adds a layer of tension and intrigue, highlighting the precarious balance between art and politics in a time of upheaval.

"Carême," the French speaking drama on Apple TV+, serves up a delectable blend of culinary artistry, political intrigue, and steamy romance. The show is centred on Antonin Carême, the world's first celebrity chef.

Benjamin Voisin shines as the charismatic, flirtatious Carême, whose pastry prowess and herbal knowledge propel him from Paris bake shops to the courts of Napoleon's elite.

The show, loosely based on Ian Kelly's "Cooking terminology for Kings," trades historical accuracy for a spry, modern vibe, evoking the fizz of "Downton Abbey" and the kitchen intensity of "The Bear."

Carême's dishes become tools of espionage and seduction, navigating a web of power plays orchestrated by the cunning Talleyrand (Jérémie Renier). While the high-stakes plot-saving Europe through puff pastry-teeters on cartoonish, the lush visuals, copper-pot-laden kitchens, and strong performances, keep it engaging.

First two episodes - seem like an overstuffed mix of spy thriller, erotic drama, and culinary showcase - feels bloated. Some predictable twists dilute its female characters' depth, even if it fills the revisionist history bowl to its brim!

Considering having to read sub-titles, "Carême" comes off as a compulsively watchable romp, incredibly good visual splendour and lusty energy. Most viewers will forgive its historical liberties/revisionist history, and settle for its sumptuous feast, if slightly uneven, feast.

Rating: 5.5/10.

Carême is an exceptional and stylish series that follows the rise of Marie-Antoine Carême, a young chef whose culinary talent propels him into the upper echelons of early 19th-century French society. Blending a compelling coming-of-age journey with political intrigue, the story features the likes of Talleyrand and is set against the larger historical canvas of Bonaparte's France. While gastronomy plays a central role, it is woven naturally into the plot, showcasing Carême's ambition and creative flair without overwhelming the narrative.

The series doesn't shy away from sensuality either-it's steamy in more ways than one. Romantic tension and physical passion simmer just beneath the surface, adding depth and intensity to character relationships. Benjamin Voisin delivers a standout performance in the lead role, commanding attention with charisma and emotional range.

Visually, Carême is a treat. The cinematography is elegant, the set designs are lush, and the costumes bring a modern edge to the period setting. Combined with a striking score and opening sequence, the series offers a well-rounded and immersive viewing experience that is both entertaining and richly layered.