As Covid becomes the new normal and some of us wend our way cautiously to a restaurant, take a moment to ponder that restaurants as we know them did not always exist. “Delicious” (Amazon) takes us back to the 18th Century, just before the French Revolution when gourmet foods were the exclusive domain of the soon to be eliminated nobility. Eat well before you watch because the food preparation scenes will leave you salivating. The acting is strong, the story compelling, the cinematography gorgeous. Lush French countryside, mouthwatering food, a light story with heavy undertones–delicious!*
“The Most Hated Man on the Internet” and “The Stranger” (both on Netflix) Dark and each quite disturbing in its own way. “The Most Hated Man…” is a documentary about a revenge porn site that has managed to make its creator rich and its victims miserable. It’s a cautionary tale about taking nude pictures or “private parts” meant for (at the time) a loved one’s eyes only, especially when they become Ex-s. It’s worth watching to see how he gets his comeuppance, but a downer when it’s clear that putting up those kind of sites (which have been around for quite some time) is not illegal. Web creators have immunity from the content. Crazy, huh? The sociopath who ran the site is from Woodland, California–so close to home!
“The Stranger” is a dark, Australian film also based on a true story. Some may find its pace too slow, but not me. I had to leave the room a few times because I was just too tense. Also, had I known what is was about I would not have watched it. But fans of the bleaker Scandinavian series (e.g. The Killing) may like it.
- The filmmakers claim that Delicious is based on a true story, but other sources say that the first restaurant was established in Paris 10 or so years before. And other historical sources say that the concept of restaurant dates back as far as 600 years ago in China. Here’s a link to a History site that discusses the topic:
New York Cynic 
Hi Susan – to add to your list :
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div>We just finished watching the 5 seasons of The Bureau ( French series
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Yes–the Bureau is really excellent. I got so tense from it that I had to stop watching it, though. Maybe I’ll steel myself and start watching again because it is so good.
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Hi Susan,
Have you seen The Banshees of Inisherin? At first my husband and I didnât know what to think of it, but now have decided we like it. Dark humor, very atmospheric, sad in parts.
Also, I saw Empire of Light yesterday. I liked it! Olivia Coleman!! When is she ever not amazing?? It was interesting and sad sometimes. Beautiful film.
I recommend both films. Though to a friend of mine that canât take sadness I would tell her âNOâ on both.
Ciao and cheers, Nicoletta
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Thank you!!! I have not seen any of those but now I will.
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