“Perfume: The Story of a Murderer” is a 2006 film directed by Tom Tykwer, based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Patrick Süskind. The film stars Ben Whishaw as Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a man born in 18th-century France with a superior olfactory sense but without his own body odor, a condition that makes him a social outcast. Obsessed with capturing the scents of the world, particularly the scent of young women, Grenouille becomes a murderer in his quest to create the perfect perfume.

The film explores themes of obsession, isolation, and the power of scent over human emotion and interaction. It’s noted for its unique narrative, richly detailed setting, and Whishaw’s compelling performance. The movie provides a vivid, often disturbing visualization of Grenouille’s grim and grotesque journey through the underbelly of society to achieve his twisted goal.

Visually, “Perfume” is a feast, with its detailed and atmospheric portrayal of 18th-century France. The score, composed by Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, and Reinhold Heil, also adds a haunting layer to the storytelling, enhancing the film’s dark and foreboding atmosphere. The movie received mixed reviews, praised for its ambition and aesthetic but criticized by some for its pacing and narrative execution. It remains a unique, if unsettling, cinematic experience.