The Tasting (La Dégustation) at Luna

Details: Written by: Greg Letts; Category: Arts & Culture; Published: 10 November 2023

The-Tasting-Le-Degustation-Luna — Hortense (Isabelle Carré) and Jacques (Bernard Campan), The Tasting (La Degustation)

On a mild Monday night my partner and I headed down to Luna Leederville to watch a similarly mellow movie – The Tasting. Set in modern-day France, The Tasting tells the story of Jacques (Bernard Campan), a wine store owner on the verge of bankruptcy and with ailing health, and Hortense (Isabelle Carré), a midwife with an overbearing mother who wants more out of life.

Hortense visits Jacques' shop in search of a wine to serve to the homeless group she volunteers for, and right from the start the pair have a natural chemistry. But movies being what they are, there are of course a number of twists, turns and obstacles in the way of true love. With an unlikely cupid in the form of Jacques' new intern, the audience is treated to their travels towards a final destination – but will it be together or apart?

Tasting is one of those classic French slice of life films that come along at regular intervals. The characters are just ordinary people living average lives day after day, and yet their story is an interesting, touching, at times laugh out loud funny and at times tear-jerkingly sad tale. While still the tried and true story of boy meets girl and complications ensue, The Tasting includes a few gentle twists along the way to keep things from getting too formulaic.

With a genuinely likeable cast and great performances from the actors, The Tasting is a wonderful way to while away a summer night's evening, perhaps with a bottle of wine to share?

The Tasting opens at Luna Leederville on 16 November.

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