Mark (Tim Heidecker), a frustrated playwright grappling with creative stagnation, discovers an unusual escape from his current reality — huffing perfume to evoke vivid memories of his Italian summer vacation. What begins as nostalgic reminiscence quickly spirals into obsession as Mark becomes consumed by the sensory high of the past, neglecting his current life and relationships. His desperate quest leads him to seek help from an eccentric perfumer (Kevin Kline), who bursts into spontaneous song while concocting custom scents in his lab, pushing Mark further into his fragrant fantasies. 

First-time director Charlotte Ercoli crafts a dreamy, offbeat comedy-drama that blends surrealist elements with an indie sensibility to explore themes of memory, escapism and artistic identity. Heidecker delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date, balancing comedic moments with genuine pathos, while Kline brings whimsical energy as a Willy Wonka-esque perfumer. The supporting cast, including Julia Fox and Gina Gershon, adds vibrant texture to this meditation on how to process the past. Visually striking and conceptually bold, the film's unique premise serves as a perfect vehicle for examining how we romanticize memories while avoiding present realities. Audiences seeking something truly original will find themselves intoxicated by this fragrant journey through the landscapes of memory and imagination.—Jarod Neece

Charlotte Ercoli