Perfume (2018)

Perfume is a gripping Netflix Original Series that debuted in 2018. It's a German crime drama that complements the network's catalog of international selections, marking yet another impressive stride into the world of sophisticated, multilayered TV crime dramas with intense plotlines and vivid characterizations.

The narrative of Perfume is imbued with an extraordinary, almost hypnotic allure, masterfully interweaving elements of crime, drama, and thriller genres. It offers a fresh, unusual premise that draws inspiration from Patrick Süskind's 1985 novel "Perfume: The Story of a Murderer." However, the series transport the setting of the original tale from the 18th-century France to modern-day Lower Rhineland in Germany, and provides a unique reinterpretation of the novel - bringing to life an intricate web of mystery interspersed with dark secrets and transformative scents.

Perfume revolves around a group of boarding school friends people who share a fascination with the olfactory senses and the incredible power of scents to evoke memory and emotions. However, the narrative takes a sinister turn when a modern-day investigator becomes embroiled in a series of brutal murders that lead back to this enigmatic group. As the investigation proceeds, each of the friends reveals layers of secrets, obsessions, and volatile relationships, making them all suspects.

The series features a talented ensemble cast that includes Friederike Becht, Wotan Wilke Möhring, Natalia Belitski, and August Diehl. Each character is meticulously developed, and their personalities, quirks, and motives are laid bare through the episodes, often challenging the perceptions of the spectator and adding nuanced dimensions to these enigmatic characters. The character dynamics are intense, and the flashbacks to their past provide a deeper understanding of their complex relations, setting the stage for an explosive final unraveling.

On a foundational level, Perfume is a police procedural, but it expands beyond the framework of its genre. It infuses its crime investigations with philosophical reflections, tackled meaty themes such as obsession, power, desire, and the haunting hold of the past. The script doesn't shy away from unsettling aspects of the human psyche. The narrative also incorporates elements of body horror and psychological manipulation, giving it a nerve-chilling dimension.

Furthermore, Perfume sets itself apart with its elaborate cinematography. The series showcases the diverse geography of Germany, alternating between stunning panoramas of lush landscapes and gritty, unforgiving constructions of urban life. The atmospheric lighting, bold color palettes, and strategic use of visual elements underscore the enthralling motifs of the series - scents, obsession, and manipulative power. Moreover, each episode is drenched in a haunting, unsettling ambiance that keeps the viewers at the edge of their seats.

The show's theme might revolve around the power of scent, but it's the intrigue, twists, and turns of each episode that leave a real impression. Secrets are peeled away like onion layers, reinforcing the mystery at the heart of the series. The narrative leaves viewers with plenty of questions, compelling them to delve deeper into the puzzle and keeps them returning for more.

Perfume is a masterwork of storytelling, presenting a viewer’s experience that is similar to immersing oneself in a world of intoxicating scents and engaging in an olfactory exploration. It pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling and challenges conventional notions of crime dramas. The series reaffirms Netflix's standing as a platform that delivers appealing, international servings of drama while remaining a platform that's open to exploratory narrative approaches. It’s a must-watch for those who appreciate a well-constructed narrative with a unique spin, peppered with surprising plot twists and underlined tensions.