Ritesh Sharma
Helmed by Nele Mueller-Stöfen in her directorial debut, ‘Delicious’ is a compelling psychological drama that follows a German family’s seemingly idyllic summer retreat, which takes a sinister turn after an unexpected accident. While driving through the countryside, they accidentally hit a young woman and, in an attempt to make amends, bring her back to their luxurious vacation home. At first, she is treated with care, but as she recovers, the household’s façade of warmth and generosity begins to crack. Each family member, driven by their own hidden desires and personal frustrations, develops a unique and unsettling connection with the woman. What initially seems like an act of kindness soon reveals a far more complex and disturbing dynamic — one that exposes the family’s long-buried tensions and manipulative tendencies.
As the days pass, the woman’s presence begins to shift the balance of power within the household, triggering unexpected betrayals and shifting allegiances. Resentments that once lay dormant erupt, leading to psychological games that blur the line between morality and self-interest. The family’s desperation to control the situation intensifies, turning their once-idyllic refuge into a place of paranoia and quiet menace. Through masterfully composed imagery and an acute sense of atmosphere, the German film transforms familiar surroundings into haunting reflections of its characters’ unraveling psyches, making the setting an integral part of the storytelling.
Delicious Filming Locations
Staying true to its rich narrative, ‘Delicious’ was filmed entirely in France, capturing the country’s authentic charm and atmosphere. Production commenced in early 2023 in the historic city of Avignon. After several months of filming, the crew wrapped up production in the breathtaking region of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) on November 4, 2023, ensuring that every frame of the drama movie reflected the essence of its French setting.
France
The breathtaking landscapes of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, a southeastern region of France bordering Italy and the Mediterranean Sea, provided ‘Delicious’ with a deeply immersive setting, allowing the film’s visual storytelling to flourish. The filmmakers carefully selected locations that would not only enhance the atmosphere but also subtly reflect the shifting emotional undercurrents of the narrative. By weaving together historic cities, sun-drenched coastlines, and the timeless countryside, the film grounds itself in a world that feels tangible and lived-in, much like the many stories that have been told in this region before.
One of the primary locations for the film is Avignon, a city in the Vaucluse department of Provence, situated along the Rhône River in southeastern France. Known for its medieval heritage, Avignon’s Palais des Papes, cobblestone streets, and ancient bridges lend ‘Delicious’ an old-world charm that contrasts beautifully with the contemporary dilemmas of its characters. The city has long been a favored setting for historical dramas and arthouse films alike, such as ‘The Bridge of Avignon’ and Ridley Scott’s ‘The Last Duel.’ The sense of history embedded in its architecture reinforces the film’s exploration of past mistakes and the weight of personal choices.
Further south, the production ventured into Arles, a town in the Bouches-du-Rhône department, known for its well-preserved Roman amphitheater and its deep ties to Vincent van Gogh’s artwork. Arles’ sunlit plazas and ochre-hued buildings bring a distinct warmth to the film, adding a painterly texture reminiscent of the visuals seen in ‘Ronin’ and ‘The Night Manager,’ both of which utilized the region’s timeless appeal. The use of this location allows ‘Delicious’ to embrace a dreamlike quality in certain sequences, where the setting becomes almost as expressive as the characters themselves.
The production also extended to Saint-Tropez, a coastal town in the Var department along the French Riviera, a place typically associated with glamour and luxury, having been a favorite of filmmakers since ‘And God Created Woman’ put it on the larger map. However, rather than leaning into its reputation for glitz, ‘Delicious’ turns its gaze toward the town’s quieter, more introspective side. By capturing its less-traveled streets, hidden coves, and the tranquil sea, the film introduces a visual juxtaposition between isolation and connection, themes that ripple throughout the narrative. This is similar to how Netflix’s ‘Riviera’ used the region to evoke both beauty and unease, showing that Saint-Tropez can be more than just a playground for the rich—it can also be a place of reckoning.
Beyond the cities, the Provençal countryside, stretching across the region’s rolling hills, lavender fields, and historic vineyards, plays an equally significant role. The landscapes of Provence have long been a favorite among filmmakers, from ‘A Good Year,’ where the vineyards reflected a journey of self-discovery, to ‘Jean de Florette,’ where the land itself dictated fate. In Delicious, the rustic farmhouses and golden fields serve as more than just scenic backdrops—they become an extension of the characters’ internal landscapes. The open spaces, ever-changing skies, and serene yet imposing nature quietly echo the film’s themes of consequence and transformation, making the land a silent but omnipresent force in the story.
Seamlessly integrating these diverse locations, ‘Delicious’ crafts an environment that feels as integral to the film as its performances. Whether through Avignon’s historical weight, Arles’ artistic essence, Saint-Tropez’s hidden melancholy, or the raw authenticity of Provence’s countryside, the film ensures that place and story are deeply intertwined. The result is a cinematic experience where every frame is infused with the spirit of the region, adding depth and nuance to an already compelling narrative.
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