I don't know what the smell is, but the shifter will have a lock built into it to prevent you from shifting out of park without the brake pressed as a safety mechanism. There is a an electrical brake signal that will unlock the shifter. It is usually the brake switch on the brake pedal that goes bad. It is a pretty easy replacement. There is also a solenoid mechanism that prevents the transmission from shifting out of park that could have failed. It is much more difficult to replace.
First check if the brake lights come on. If they don't, then it is a dead giveaway that the switch on the brake pedal is bad. Sometimes the switch will go bad intermittently. If you pump the brake several times and the car comes out of park, then the pumping action cycles the switch and sometimes it starts working. Sometimes you can get a screwdriver and tap the switch to get it working again. That will only work temporarily. If you get it working, expect it to happen again until you get that switch replaced.
Just as you mentioned. I pumped the brake like severally and I was finally able to get the gear out of park.
I’ll have to replace the switch so it doesn’t disturb my movement again. I was actually kind of scared.
Thank you @socky
Glad I was able to help.