Perfect Sense 2012

Drama

Romance

Box Office

$933K

Runtime

92 min

Language

English

Directed by

David Mackenzie

Made by

IFC Films

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Perfect Sense Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Perfect Sense (2012). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

As an enigmatic affliction spreads across the globe, humanity’s senses begin to fade away, much like leaves falling from trees in the grip of winter. During this extraordinary crisis, two key figures emerge: Susan, a determined epidemiologist, and Michael, a talented chef working at a busy restaurant near her residence. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey filled with discovery and love.

The initial signs of this strange contagion manifest as overwhelming emotional distress—people find themselves uncontrollably crying, soon followed by the shocking loss of their sense of smell. A symphony of irrational fears and anxieties takes hold as individuals grapple with their diminishing abilities. The pursuit of nourishment transforms into an arduous challenge when taste buds start to fade, giving way to an insatiable hunger that threatens to engulf humanity. In this trying time, Michael and his fellow chefs strive to create culinary wonders for those whose senses have been muted.

As the crisis escalates, the world is enveloped in silence as the sense of hearing vanishes, provoking an outburst of rage and chaos. Michael, unfortunately, becomes the first to suffer from this sensory loss, erupting into an angry tirade that sends Susan fleeing in terror. However, shortly after, Susan also finds her hearing compromised. Despite her scientific knowledge of the illness, she cannot bring herself to face Michael again.

Amidst this harrowing reality, humanity struggles to adapt and survive. Then, in an unexpected turn of events, a wave of euphoric joy washes over the world. Susan, with a newfound clarity, recognizes that she has not only forgiven Michael but still deeply loves him. Fueled by urgency, she rushes to his restaurant. In a powerful moment of reunion, the two find one another just as the world succumbs to a profound darkness. Their embrace stands as a beacon of hope in a now unrecognizable world, one forever cloaked in shadow.

Perfect Sense Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Perfect Sense (2012) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

The Enigmatic Affliction Emerges

A strange and troubling affliction begins to spread across the globe, captivating humanity’s attention. People start to experience overwhelming emotional distress, signaling the onset of a mysterious crisis.

First Signs of Distress

As the contagion spreads, individuals are seen crying uncontrollably, unable to manage their emotions. This marks the beginning of a terrifying chain reaction where humanity begins to lose control over their senses.

Loss of Smell

The disease soon claims the sense of smell, leaving people disoriented and frightened. This new development forces individuals to confront the reality of their diminished capabilities, sparking widespread anxiety.

Diminished Taste

As taste continues to fade away, the simple act of nourishing oneself becomes an overwhelming struggle. The once vibrant culinary experiences turn into a frustrating challenge, leaving many with an insatiable hunger.

Chefs' Resolve

Amid this crisis, chefs like Michael remain committed to their craft. They strive to create delicious meals that bring comfort to those suffering from the sensory losses, attempting to maintain a semblance of normalcy.

Silence Falls

As the affliction escalates, the sense of hearing begins to fade, plunging the world into silence. This loss triggers outrage and chaos, as people feel increasingly isolated and desperate amidst their suffering.

Michael's Outburst

In a moment of despair, Michael becomes the first to lose his hearing. Overwhelmed by rage, he lashes out, leading to Susan fleeing in fear, her heart heavy with uncertainty about their future.

Susan's Hearing Loss

Not long after Michael's breakdown, Susan also experiences the loss of her hearing. Despite her scientific understanding of the affliction, she is paralyzed by her emotions and cannot bring herself to confront Michael.

Humanity's Struggle

As the world grapples with these challenges, communities struggle to adapt to their new silent existence. Hope begins to dwindle as daily life is irrevocably altered by the ongoing sensory losses.

Unexpected Joy

In a surprising turn of events, a wave of euphoria washes over the globe. Susan, amidst the chaos, gains a newfound clarity and realizes that she has forgiven Michael, her love for him still intact.

Rushed Reunion

Driven by urgency and hope, Susan makes her way to Michael's restaurant. Despite the darkness enveloping the world, she longs for their reunion, holding onto the memories that anchor her.

Michael's Restaurant

A Moment of Embrace

In a powerful and emotional reunion, Susan and Michael find each other just as shadows close in on the world. Their embrace symbolizes love's enduring power, even in the most unrecognizable circumstances.

World in Darkness

As they hold each other, the world around them succumbs to profound darkness, marking a new chapter for humanity. Their bond becomes a beacon of hope amidst a reality forever altered by the crisis.

Perfect Sense Characters

Explore all characters from Perfect Sense (2012). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Susan

Susan is a determined epidemiologist who navigates the chaos of the sensory epidemic with resilience and emotional depth. Her character showcases a journey of love, loss, and ultimate forgiveness. She embodies scientific knowledge, yet grapples with her vulnerabilities as she confronts her feelings for Michael amidst the crisis.

👩‍🔬 Scientist 💖 Love 😢 Vulnerability

Michael

Michael is a talented chef whose creativity in the kitchen becomes a symbol of hope during the sensory crisis. His character arc explores themes of anger and despair, especially when he experiences the loss of his senses. Despite his emotional outbursts, Michael's journey leads him back to love and connection with Susan.

👨‍🍳 Chef 🔥 Passion 😠 Anger

Perfect Sense Settings

Learn where and when Perfect Sense (2012) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The film unfolds in a contemporary setting, during an unprecedented global crisis that causes a gradual loss of human senses. This crisis evokes a sense of urgency and desperation as society struggles to cope with the overwhelming change. Emotional upheaval characterizes the experiences of characters as they navigate this surreal reality.

Location

Global, Restaurant

The movie takes place in a variety of locations around the globe, reflecting a world grappling with a strange affliction. One significant setting is a busy restaurant where Michael, a talented chef, works. This culinary hub represents a space of creativity and resilience amidst the chaos of losing human senses.

🌍 Global 🍽️ Restaurant

Perfect Sense Themes

Discover the main themes in Perfect Sense (2012). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

💔

Love and Forgiveness

A profound theme of love and forgiveness runs through the movie, particularly between Susan and Michael. Their journey showcases how deep emotional connections can flourish even in the face of dire circumstances. The narrative illustrates the importance of compassion and understanding during challenging times.

😱

Crisis and Survival

The movie delves into themes of crisis and survival as humanity faces the unprecedented loss of sensory perception. This loss incites fear and chaos, compelling characters to adapt and find meaning. The struggle for survival is portrayed as an essential aspect of the human experience.

🌫️

Isolation

Isolation becomes a central theme as characters endure sensory deprivation amid a global catastrophe. Susan's disconnection from Michael reflects the emotional isolation fostered by fear and misunderstanding. The narrative poignantly captures the loneliness that can stem from a lack of communication and sensory engagement.

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Perfect Sense Spoiler-Free Summary

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In a world suddenly gripped by an inexplicable epidemic, the familiar richness of human perception begins to slip away. One by one, the senses—sight, smell, taste, hearing—fade like colors leaching from a once‑vivid painting, leaving societies to confront an unsettling quietude and an emptier daily rhythm. The atmosphere is both haunting and intimate, a blend of clinical uncertainty and poetic melancholy, as everyday activities transform into fragile rituals performed in the dimming light of what remains.

Amid this encroaching silence, Susan, a dedicated epidemiologist, devotes herself to unraveling the mystery behind the sensory loss. Her scientific rigor is matched by a personal resolve to understand not just the biology of the affliction but its deeper impact on the human spirit. Across the street, Michael, a talented chef, wrestles with the erosion of flavor and aroma that once defined his craft, striving to preserve the joy of nourishment for those still able to taste.

Their paths intersect in a city that feels both familiar and alien, where the ordinary bustle of a restaurant becomes a sanctuary against the broader gloom. As the two characters navigate their respective roles—Susan in laboratories and crisis meetings, Michael in a kitchen that must reinvent itself without the guiding senses—they discover a tentative companionship grounded in shared curiosity and quiet resilience. Their connection hints at something more profound than a professional alliance, suggesting that even as humanity’s senses dim, the capacity for intimacy and hope can still flicker.

The film’s tone balances clinical dread with lyrical beauty, inviting viewers to contemplate what remains essential when the world’s sensory scaffolding collapses. Through understated performances and an atmospheric visual style, it asks whether love and understanding can flourish in a world that has lost the very tools we use to experience it.