Perfect Sense

In a bleak, unsettling world where the laws of human perception no longer apply, "Perfect Sense" unfolds a poignant and thought-provoking tale of love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of the unknown. Directed by David Mackenzie, this 2011 film is an adaptation of the Scottish short story "The Sound of My Voice" by Lorn Macdonald and David Mackenzie. We are introduced to Susan, a brilliant Scottish epidemiologist, played by Eve Hewson, who is determined to understand the mysterious pandemic that has begun to spread around the globe. This affliction, characterized by the gradual loss of human senses, forces its victims to confront the abyss of existence with every passing day. While racing against time to uncover the source of the pandemic and a potential cure, Susan finds herself swept up in an unlikely romance with Michael, a charismatic cook who has an insatiable passion for the culinary arts. This dashing character, portrayed by Ewan McGregor, is as skilled in the kitchen as he is in the art of seduction. As Susan and Michael embark on a journey of love and discovery, they encounter a cast of characters whose experiences serve to heighten the sense of urgency and desperation that pervades the world. Among these characters, we see a couple who begin to lose their sense of taste, a musician whose music, once so integral to his very being, starts to lose meaning, and a woman whose ability to experience the beauty of flowers is suddenly stripped away. Through these tragic and poignant vignettes, the film highlights the profound impact that the loss of one's senses has on the human psyche. Each episode serves as a stark reminder that, even as our bodies are subjected to the ravages of this inexplicable disease, our minds continue to grapple with the existential implications of such an event. Susan, ever the scientist, remains resolute in her pursuit of understanding, and her encounters with the afflicted serve to deepen her connection with Michael. As the two navigate this ever-shifting landscape, they begin to realize that their love for one another has become a beacon of hope in a world rapidly descending into chaos. The film's use of cinematography is noteworthy, with a striking black-and-white aesthetic that adds to the overall mood of bleakness and desperation. Director David Mackenzie's deliberate pacing, coupled with the stunning performances from the cast, serves to heighten the emotional impact of the film's exploration of love and loss. As the story unfolds, Susan finds herself inexorably drawn to the very heart of the pandemic, and it is here, in the midst of this existential crisis, that she must confront the meaning of her own existence. Will her love for Michael provide the catalyst for finding a cure, or will it serve as a reminder of all that is being lost in this desolate, sensory-less world? In "Perfect Sense," David Mackenzie presents a haunting, poignant exploration of love and the human condition in the face of the unknown. This thought-provoking film encourages us to ponder the meaning of existence and the value of human connection, even as we are forced to confront the darkest depths of human suffering.