Apple TV's 'seductive' historical drama that lifts lid on 'horrific' side of Napoleon
Apple TV+ is set to launch a brand new series this week, telling the story of the world's first celebrity chef who cooked for Napoleon Bonaparte
History enthusiasts, brace yourselves for an upcoming drama on Apple TV+ that's sure to pique your interest.
The latest series dropping on the platform this week spins a captivating yarn of espionage, gastronomy and romance that could potentially be one of Apple's finest productions yet.
Brought to you by acclaimed French filmmaker Martin Bourboulon, the mastermind behind the recent blockbuster adaptation of The Three Musketeers featuring Eva Green, Carême is the riveting true tale of the world's first celebrity chef.
Benjamin Voisin takes centre stage as Antonin Carême, a culinary prodigy who rose from rags to riches, cooking up a storm for high-profile figures like Napoleon, Tsar Alexander and the Rothschilds.
The series kicks off with his ascent from modest roots as he grudgingly agrees to whip up meals for Napoleon Bonaparte (portrayed by Frank Molinaro), offering viewers a glimpse into the opulent palace's inner sanctum and its demanding kitchen, reports the Express.
In a chat with Express Online, lead actor Voisin shed light on why Carême stands out as a period drama unlike any other.
"The great thing [about Carême] is it's a small story within a big story," he elaborated.
"We knew the general picture of Napoleon, that great emperor who conquered the world, but we didn't know what soft horror lay behind it. And one of them was cuisine.
"He was recognised by all for having the best table, he invited kings and heads of state and government, they wanted to be invited to his table just to taste the food. And, of course, he used that and he had his guests eat and drink and at the end of the meal sign whatever he wanted them to sign.
"So it was most interesting to focus on that aspect of things and go through the story of a 25-year-old boy who wants to become a chef and ends up in the Tuileries [Palace], the best place in Paris at the time, to run the finest team of cooks."
While Napoleon might pop up in the series, he's not the star of the show. Still, by showcasing how pivotal Carême's culinary skills were to his rule, the audience will see just how integral the emperor's kitchen operations were, rivaling even his military tactics.
Voisin's co-lead Lyna Khoudri, playing Carême's lover Henriette, chimed in: "The small story within the big story was what made it interesting. Just in terms of architecture, the story brought me to places I wanted to see on screen.
"Of course, you have the kitchens of the Tuileries Palace, and when you walk around it you can't imagine that behind the arcades and buildings there were all these people working. That I found very seductive, very attractive."
Voisin added his two cents: "Yes, he went to thousands of places, so you can make a series out of that, and it would frustrate me to just make a feature film because then you'd just have two hours to focus on a few tidbits of his life, but here you can go much wider because the man had a very exciting and broad life."
Director Bourboulon also made it clear that while Carême will be the star of the show in the eight-part drama, Napoleon's presence will loom large throughout the tale.
"Napoleon is not the main character of this show," he explained. "For sure, the story took place under Napoleon's reign, but Napoleon as a character is not the main character.
"We have decided to not see him a lot. He's always in the shadows, in the back, we're always behind him.
"I think it's more a show about the period rather than Napoleon's character, compared to previous movies such as Ridley Scott's, for example.
"But we can learn a lot about Napoleon's drama and Napoleon's reign, about the divorce [from Joséphine de Beauharnais], about a lot of things."
For TV buffs eager to dive into their Napoleonic history or just get lost in a sizzling historical romp, don't miss Apple TV+'s latest grandiose drama dropping this week.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I visited the cheap African holiday island that feels like Mykonos and Santorini with new easyJet flights
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TRAILING vibrant pink bougainvillaea frames white-washed buildings, spilling across blue window shutters and doors. A confetti of tiny petals drifts in the breeze, dancing along the narrow, cobbled streets. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba, just off the south coast of Tunisia Credit: Getty 8 Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast Credit: Shutterstock 8 Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets are lined with shops and restaurants Credit: Getty Around every corner comes another eye-catching piece of technicolour street art. The walls and doors of the sleepy paths are a quirky, open-air gallery. The resemblance to the alleyways of Mykonos and Santorini is striking and my arty stroll ends at a small cafe under a sprawling canopy of trees in a sunlit square. But when I tell you a small cup of strong coffee here costs 25p, you'll know I am nowhere near the trendy Greek isles. The small town of Erriadh sits at the centre of the island of Djerba —which was used as a filming location for Star Wars — just off the south coast of Tunisia. And at its heart is Djerbahood, the passion project of a famous French art gallery owner who convinced some of the world's best street artists to travel to Djerba, and its inhabitants to allow their walls to be daubed. Now, more than 250 murals and sculptures have transformed the heart of the neighbourhood. Relatively undiscovered by us Brits, Djerba is a great-value option for those looking to explore beyond the Med favourites. Low-cost giant easyJet has launched year-round flights to the island from both London Luton and Manchester, with fares from just £115 return, and easyJet holidays has packages from just £373pp. The island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Sizzling in summer, temperatures remain high all the way through to November and rarely dip below the 20Cs, even in the depths of winter, making it ideal for out-of-season sunshine. Five stunning, little-known holiday destinations Hotels line the soft white-sand beaches on the island's north coast, including our base, the 5H Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso. The resorts' vast pool, surrounded by loungers and cabanas, leads down to small sand dunes and a broad stretch of sparkling white sands dotted with straw parasols. Its contemporary rooms are spacious and bright, with marble-clad bathrooms and balconies or terraces to soak up that sunshine. 8 The Sun's Lisa Minot exploring Credit: Supplied 8 The fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century Credit: Getty 8 Our base, the 5-star Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Thalasso Credit: Supplied With four restaurants, three bars and the biggest Thalasso spa on the island, you could be forgiven for not straying far. But the island's compact size means it's easy to explore its intoxicating mix of North African heritage and Mediterranean influences. Troglodyte dwellings In the island's capital Houmt Souk on the north coast, the minarets of mosques sit alongside the St Joseph's Catholic church. Jutting out on a headland surrounded by the Mediterranean sea, the fortress of Borj El Kebir has been protecting the island's inhabitants from invading armies since the 13th century. Today you can explore the impressive fortifications and admire the stunning sea views from its now thankfully peaceful ramparts. Houmt Souk's pedestrianised streets lined with shops and restaurants lead on to covered souks and a spice market, as well as a rather less fragrant fish market. There's plenty of opportunities for a bit of souvenir shopping, from local handi-crafts and clothes, to Pottery Square where you can buy colourful ceramics from just £2 with a little haggling. If you're in need of sustenance after all that shopping, look no further than El Fondouk. This fabulous conversion of an 18th-century caravanserai, or travellers' inn, is open daily for morning coffees and pastries in its sun-soaked courtyard – then fresh seafood with couscous, fish curries and meaty kebabs at lunch and dinner. Prices are also excellent given the quality, with main dishes from £8 to £12. Also worth a trip out from the excellent restaurants back at the hotel was Haroun, in the nearby marina. Its outside terrace comes in the form of an actual ship's deck, complete with rigging and ropes, and is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets. Inside, the dishes coming out of the kitchen include traditional Tunisian specialities such as brik — crispy filo pastry parcels filled with meat or fish — as well as fried calamari and fresh fish. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise. Again, prices are very competitive, with main courses from £13.50. And while Djerba has more than enough to keep a holidaymaker happy for a week, it would be a shame to come this far and not head over on to the mainland and into a galaxy far, far away. EasyJet has multiple tours you can take from Djerba, over the ancient Roman Road that crosses the sea to southern Tunisia. The centuries-old causeway is essentially a bridge, and as you travel the five miles you're rewarded with stunning views of shimmering waters on both sides. As you travel through the arid desert landscapes of the mainland, huge rock formations rise dramatically from the flat plains. The rugged mountains are home to the Berber people, and at Chenini we peek into the unique troglodyte dwellings carved into the rocky hillsides and admire the palm trees and olive trees growing around the oasis by the Chenini Canyon. 8 Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars Credit: Getty 8 Fans can visit locations from smash-hit franchise Star Wars Credit: Rex Strolling the streets of Tataouine, you can easily see how George Lucas was inspired to use the location for Star Wars. Luke Skywalker grew up in a troglodyte home in Tatooine (get it!) and you can visit locations from the smash-hit franchise on the tour, including the Hotel Sidi Idriss and Ksar Hadada, an other-worldly Berber granary store that served as a key setting in The Phantom Menace. LISA MINOT
Daily Record
5 hours ago
- Daily Record
Baby names inspired by Pride Month including one that puts inspiring spin on a classic
Every June, the world celebrates Pride Month to honour the LGBTQ+ community, but the celebrations could also inspire parents-to-be. Parents-to-be pull inspiration from a range of sources when it comes to thinking of baby names. They can look to TV, films, seasons, or even locations to name their child after something special to them. But what about an inspiring month dedicated to the fight for equal rights and honouring the LGBTQ+ community? Well, as if right on cue, June marks the 55th anniversary of the first Pride march held in the United States. Pride Month is an observation of queer culture through celebration and protest. Countless communities host Pride marches, demonstrations and parties to honour queer joy all over the world - including Scotland's major cities. For budding mothers and fathers who feel moved by the event, and want to pay homage to some iconic figures of the LGBTQ+ movement with an equally iconic name for their wee one, Nameberry has comprised a compelling list. So, if you want your bub's title to be rooted in history, read on for ten Pride-related names that could be the moniker-in-waiting for your adorable new arrival. Who knows, it might even spark an appetite for activism. Audre A self-described "black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet," Audre Lorde dedicated both her life and her creative talent to confronting and addressing injustices of racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia. Born in New York City, Audre uplifted the most marginalised in society. Her name – a streamlined spelling of contemporary classic Audrey – boasts the fitting meaning of "noble strength". Bayard Bayard Rustin was a close friend of Martin Luther King and the chief architect of the 1963 March on Washington. He didn't become a vocal gay rights activist until the 1980s but he did testify on the behalf of a New York City queer civil liberties law, stating that gay rights had become the new barometer for social change and progress. His intriguing name comes from a French word meaning 'russet red'. A trailblazing campaigner for marriage equality, Edie Windsor fought the US federal government in a landmark 2013 lawsuit which paved the way for the legalisation of same-sex marriage across all states two years later. Edie is a cute, retro nickname that ranks just outside the Top 100 in the UK. Gilbert Gilbert Baker was an artist and LGBTQ rights activist. You might not know a lot about him but you will know of his most famous creation - the rainbow flag. The rainbow flag has become synonymous with Pride. Gilbert is a unique pick for a boy's name, but you never know, it could make a comeback very soon. Gracy Miss Major Griffin-Gracy was a long-standing advocate of transgender rights and a veteran of the Stonewall riots, which proved to be a quintessential moment for the LGBTQ+ community in the US and across the world. Gracie is the more popular spelling of the name but the -y ending feels more mature. Harvey As California's first openly gay elected official, Harvey Milk achieved so much for for the LGBTQ community during his tenure, which was cut devastatingly short when he was assassinated just ten months after entering office. Harvey is an old school, sophisticated-sounding name which means "iron blazing" or "battle-worthy". Harvey was in the UK top 100 from 1997-2021, Nameberry reports, but it has fallen slightly in recent years. Jazz Jazz is a more contemporary pick after TV personality and trans rights campaigner Jazz Jennings. The youngest activist on this list, the 24-year-old American YouTuber and LGBT rights activist is one of the youngest publicly documented people to be identified as transgender. Jazz is a great modern-day pick for those touched by the current LGBTQ+ scene. Kahlo Frida Kahlo was a renowned Mexican painter who was was openly bisexual. Her work often explored themes of identity, gender, and sexuality. She is considered a strong LGBTQ+ figure. The Kahlo family name was found in the US between 1880 and 1920. In 2025, it would make for a fascinating artistic baby name. Intriguingly, it's more popular in the US for boys. Lili or Lilli The story of Lili Elbe, one of the earliest known recipients of gender reassignment surgery, was fictionalised in the book (then film) The Danish Girl. These -i ending forms of Lily have historically been most popular in Germany and Hungary – although we have seen a small uptick in them since the birth of Lilibet "Lili", daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Lyon Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin made history when they became the first same-sex couple to marry in California. This actually happened twice because their first marriage was voided. Lyon, who was also a lifelong activist, sadly passed away in April 2020. This surname, suggesting bravery and a sense of wildness, could make a unique alternative to 'Leo'. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Coco Gauff wins French Open as Aryna Sabalenka makes bitter admission
Coco Gauff beat Aryna Sabalenka to win her first French Open singles title, with the American forced to come from behind to be at the world number one at Roland Garros Coco Gauff produced a remarkable comeback win to beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 in the French Open final and quoted Tyler, the Creator as she celebrated becoming the new queen of clay. The victory saw Gauff claim her second Grand Slam singles title and become the first American woman to lift the trophy since Serena Williams in 2015. The 21-year-old had previously reached the final in 2022, but was thrashed 6-1 6-3 by Iga Swiatek and had to come from behind to triumph over Sabalenka. "I don't know what I've done to deserve such support from the French crowd but I really appreciate it," Gauff said after the game. "I'm gonna quote Tyler, the Creator, who said 'If I ever told you I had a doubt inside me, I think I was lying'. I'll leave that with you guys." Sabalenka, meanwhile, apologised to her team after the match for a "terrible final" and vowed to "come back stronger". The world number one said: "This will hurt so much, especially after such a tough two weeks playing great tennis in terrible conditions. "Thank you my team for the support, I'm sorry for this terrible final. As always I will come back stronger. Anyway, Coco congrats. In these tough conditions, you were a better player than me. "Well done on a great two weeks. Congrats on the second slam. You're a fighter. Hard worker. Congrats to you and your team. "Honestly sometimes it felt like she was hitting the ball from the frame. Somehow magically the ball lands in the court, and you are on the back foot. "It felt like a joke, honestly, like somebody from above was just staying there laughing, like, let's see if you can handle this. "It's another tough final in a Grand Slam against Coco. Another terrible performance from me against Coco in the final. "I have to just kind of, like, step back and look at this from the perspective and try to finally learn the lesson, because I cannot go out there every time against her in the finals of the Grand Slam and play such terrible tennis and give those wins, not easily, but like, emotionally, you know?" The men's final will be contested on Sunday, with Jannik Sinner set to take on Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets on Friday to book his place in the final, while Alcaraz defeated Lorenzo Musetti after he retired in the fourth set of their match.
