Created by Ian Kelly and Davide Serino, Carême plunges us into thetormented Europe of the 19th century, where Antonin Carême, a Parisian orphan with extraordinary culinary talent, dreams of revolutionizing gastronomy and making his name in history. But his ambition leads him to cross paths with powerful men, including Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, one of the finest political strategists of his time. To achieve glory, Carême finds himself involved in a vast network of intrigue and espionage, where every dish served becomes a diplomatic weapon.
Adapted from the book Cooking for Kings: The Life of Antonin Carême, the First Celebrity Chef by Ian Kelly, the series blends history, drama and espionage in a world where cuisine and politics rub shoulders dangerously. With Benjamin Voisin (Illusions perdues, En roue libre) in the lead role, Lyna Khoudri (Papicha) and Jérémie Renier (L'Ordre et la Morale), the cast promises an intense interpretation of this little-known true story.
Lent will be broadcast on Apple TV+ from April 30, 2025.
Synopsis: In Napoleon's Europe, Antonin Carême, an orphan with exceptional talent, dreams of becoming the world's most famous chef and establishing Gastronomy as a new art form. But to do so, he has to make a pact with the devil and become a spy in the service of a Machiavellian man who has elevated politics to an art form: Talleyrand. Based on a true story, Carême takes us into a world where the misery and harshness of kitchens rub shoulders with the opulence of mansions, where true feelings are damaged by pretense, and where manipulation reigns supreme. Determined to escape poverty and fulfill his dream, Carême can have it all - women, money, glory - but at what price: love? His life? His soul?
With its blend of biopic, historical drama and espionage, Carême will appeal to fans of ambitious historical frescoes, such as Versailles, The Great or Les Liaisons Dangereuses. Those interested in thehistory of gastronomy and the political role of cooking under Napoleon will also find a unique angle rarely exploited on screen.
The aesthetics and atmosphere of 19th-century Paris, with its mix of lust, intrigue and ambition, are reminiscent of productions such as Barry Lyndon or The Emperor of Paris, where social ascension is always conditioned by dangerous games of influence. However, if you're looking for a series focused solely on the culinary arts, Carême seems to go way beyond, highlighting the sacrifices of a man caught up in a power struggle.
Behind the series are Ian Kelly, author of the original book and a specialist in the figure of Antonin Carême, and Davide Serino, a screenwriter experienced in the historical genre. The presence of Benjamin Voisin, recently acclaimed for his performances in French cinema, augurs well for an inhabited interpretation of this ambitious, tormented character.
Far from being a simple gastronomic tale, Carême promises to be a series where politics and cuisine intertwine in a game of power, exploring the behind-the-scenes world of diplomacy under Napoleon and the sacrifices imposed by the quest for glory.
Between espionage, ambition and the culinary arts, Carême promises to be an original and captivating series, exploring a little-known part of French history. Benjamin Voisin plays the role of a visionary chef, ready to do anything to leave his mark in a world where every dish becomes a tool of power. A historical fresco that will appeal as much to history buffs as to those who enjoy tales of extraordinary destinies.
This article is based on information available online; we have not yet viewed the film or series mentioned.
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