The Thursday Murder Club Film – fragrance matching the cast
With The Thursday Murder Club fans in a frenzy over the release of the movie on Netflix, we’re frothing the excitement further by exploring some possible fragrance matches for characters in the main cast.
Something we love to do at The Perfume Society is looking at cultural zeitgeist moments through the lens of scent-matching.
A mere frivolity, you may think (and goodness – let’s allow ourselves some frivolity in troubled times!) But actually, we find pairing a perfume to a character can get to the heart of a matter in double-quick time. Fragrance is so immediately evocative, transporting us to a particular time and place, and instantaneously setting a mood that might otherwise take pages of prose to explain.
With our sense of smell scientifically proven to be intricately, intimately entwined with memories and emotions, we hope you’ll agree these perfumed parallels provide insight into both the fragrances and characters alike. So, while watching The Thursday Murder Club movie, or reading the books, have a think about which personalities you warm to the most (or perhaps see elements of yourself in), and then having followed their clues, wonder what perfumes you would pick for them to wear…
Netflix says: ‘Just because you join a retirement community doesn’t mean you retire. That’s certainly true for the members of The Thursday Murder Club, who solve cold cases in their spare time at their elegant Coopers Chase retirement home in the English countryside.
Based on the bestselling novel by Richard Osman, the film follows four irrepressible retirees — Elizabeth (Helen Mirren), Ron (Pierce Brosnan), Ibrahim (Ben Kinsgley), and Joyce (Celia Imrie) — as their crime-solving pastime becomes a real-life whodunit when a murder lands on their doorstep.’
Helen Mirren as Elizabeth Best
About the Character
‘With her natural authority and dry wit, Elizabeth is the leader of the Thursday Murder Club. Highly intelligent, fearless, resourceful, and determined, she’s coy when it comes to the subject of her past career, which she describes only as something in “international relations.” Elizabeth certainly has some useful sources of information to call on. She’s extremely loyal to those she loves, particularly her husband, Stephen (Jonathan Pryce).’
Fragrance Match: Estée Lauder Knowing
Sophisticated, commanding, and layered with intrigue, with its rich, woody-floral composition, Knowing conveys elegance, intellect, and quiet power, wonderfully mirroring Elizabeth’s sharp wit and natural authority. Its depth has a steely backbone, and suggests hidden complexity, just as Elizabeth conceals her mysterious past. This is a scent that effortlessly embodies loyalty, strength, and understated allure, making it an ideal match for this fearless, resourceful character. Knowing, indeed…
£88 for 75ml eau de parfum esteelauder.com
Pierce Brosnan as Ron Ritchie
About the Character
‘Ron is the real comedian of the gang. He’s into sports and supports West Ham United Football Club. Once a militant and high-profile trade union activist — he’s dubbed “Red Ron” by the press — even in retirement he still can’t resist a fight for what he feels is right. He’s been married several times, though he’s now a widower. His real pride and joy is his son, Jason (Tom Ellis), an ex-champion boxer turned TV celebrity, who’s a regular visitor to Coopers Chase. Ron is also good friends with Ibrahim (Ben Kingsley), whom he fondly calls ‘Ibsy.’’
Fragrance Match: Jimmy Choo Man Extreme
Charismatic, and full of vitality, this scent’s fresh citrus and black pepper top notes reflect Ron’s sharp humour and lively presence. The wonderfully rugged woods and leathery undertones mirror his fiery nature as someone who’s beliefs are strong, their personality distinctly passionate. Overall, we feel this confident, masculine energy captures Ron’s larger-than-life persona, while its underlying warmth honours his softer side, especially his pride in family and enduring friendships.
From £49 for 30ml eau de parfum theperfumeshop.com
Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim Arif
About the Character
‘A confirmed bachelor, Ibrahim is a respected psychiatrist of Egyptian descent. He’s soft-spoken, kind, polite, empathetic, and cultured. He’s also highly intelligent, analytical, a little cautious sometimes, and occasionally a bit pedantic. But his insights are highly valued by his friends. His closest friend is Ron (Brosnan).’
Fragrance Match: Atkinson’s Born for Eternity
The regal fanfare of simmering saffron and pink pepper mirrors Ibrahim’s cultured, analytical nature and Egyptian heritage. Soft incense tendrils evoke his calm, empathetic wisdom, while geranium and oudh embody sophistication and depth. The dry down of supple leather, amber, and enigmatic Akigalawood conjures his warm intellect and timeless insight. We think he’d wear this as an olfactive talisman of lasting power and elegance that beautifully suits his compassionate persona.
£230 for 100ml eau de parfum selfridges.com
Celia Imrie as Joyce Meadowcroft
About the Character
‘Ex-nurse Joyce is a newcomer to Coopers Chase. “You learn about everybody through her eyes,” says Imrie. The mother of Joanna (Ingrid Oliver), a highly successful hedge fund manager, Joyce is recently widowed. Kind, thoughtful, chatty, warm, empathetic, and eager to please — particularly when it comes to Elizabeth (Mirren) — Joyce draws people to her.’
Fragrance Match: Cosmoss Sacred Mist
Softly entwining warmth, protection, and empathy, we find dew-lit petals of bergamot and orange blossom mirroring Joyce’s inviting, gentle spirit; while heart-unfurling notes of jasmine, tuberose, and ylang-ylang bloom with her natural kindness and ability to draw others close. Beneath, oak moss, cedarwood, and tonka bean create an ambered sanctuary, which echoes Joyce’s resilience and offers her a quietly protective aura, offering serenity and, perhaps, guarding her sensitive soul.
Now on sale £62.50 for 100ml eau de parfum in the Shop
Naomi Ackie as PC Donna De Freitas
About the Character
‘PC Donna De Freitas is a young police officer who was recently transferred from the London Metropolitan Police to the quiet Kent backwater of Fairhaven. Donna is intelligent, observant, resilient, and determined; but she’s also bored, deeply frustrated, and underused. Working with the Thursday Murder Club alters the course of her career. From then on, mutual like and respect, plus a little quid pro quo, sees them unofficially collaborating — to the annoyance of her boss.’
Fragrance Match: Amouage Decision
There could be no more apt fragrance for Naomi, for with its incense-laden clarity cutting through indecision, it reveals Donna’s intelligence and resilient spirit – and her forthcoming transformation. The scent erupts with an electric crackle, like Donna’s sharp mind confronting the quiet frustrations of her new posting, settling into juniper-laced frankincense and cedar that match her analytical focus. As vanilla and myrrh warm the base, Decision’s grounding embrace reflects Donna’s unwavering resolve and the new confidence she finds in trust and teamwork.
£320 for 100ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com
Written by Suzy Nightingale