Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
On an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.
Details
Budget
$5,740,000
Rating
8/10 (2642 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Lilies Films, ARTE France Cinéma, Hold Up Films
About Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Set in the late 18th century, "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" tells the story of Marianne, a painter commissioned to create a wedding portrait of Héloïse, a reluctant bride-to-be on an isolated island. Héloïse, having recently left a convent, resists the marriage and the portrait process. Marianne must observe her by day under the guise of companionship and secretly paint her at night. This setup allows for a slow-burn romance to develop between the two women.
The film explores themes of forbidden love, the female gaze, and artistic creation within a historical context. It uses a period drama setting to examine the intimate relationship between painter and subject, as well as the societal constraints faced by women during the era. The narrative builds on observations and unspoken desires, focusing on the development of connection between Marianne and Héloïse.
The movie has been recognized for its direction by Céline Sciamma, its performances, and its visual style. It draws on genres of drama, romance, and history, incorporating elements of classical music and Greek mythology into its story. The film's keywords highlight its focus on an 18th-century lesbian relationship, painting, and the complexities of female experience.
Why you might be searching for Portrait of a Lady on Fire
People search for "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" due to its notable exploration of a lesbian relationship in an 18th-century period drama. The film is known for its intimate portrayal of romance between two women and its unique approach to the artistic process, particularly the 'male gaze' commentary. Its highly emotional ending and specific visual elements, like the "lady on fire" scene, also make it memorable.
What reviewers are saying
A reviewer found themselves deeply affected by the film, calling it a masterpiece for its craft, honesty, and emotional intensity, culminating in one of the most extraordinary cinematic moments of the 21st century.
Read the full reviewOne review notes the director's description of the film as a 'manifesto on the male gaze,' highlighting its strong feminist perspective within the meticulously detailed and beautifully acted drama.
Read the full reviewA critic suggests that few romance movies capture the full scope of love, loss, and remembrance as effectively as this film, despite its simple premise.
Read the full reviewA viewer found the film to be worth watching, jokingly comparing 1700s portraits to modern dating apps like Tinder.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" on Hulu and HBO Max. It's also available to rent or buy on Apple TV and Fandango At Home, or for free on Kanopy. You can also purchase the DVD or Blu-ray.
"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is not based on a true story, but it is a historical romantic drama set in 18th-century France. Céline Sciamma wrote and directed the film, which tells the fictional story of an aristocrat and the painter commissioned to paint her portrait.
The film ends with Marianne seeing Héloïse two more times after their separation. The first is in a painting at an exhibition where Héloïse is subtly revealing page 28 of a book, a reference to a drawing Marianne made of herself for Héloïse. The second is at a concert in Milan, where Marianne observes Héloïse becoming overwhelmed with emotion while listening to Vivaldi's "Summer" from The Four Seasons, a piece Marianne had played for her. A significant detail for French speakers is that in their final shared moment, Héloïse addresses Marianne using the informal "tu" (turn around, "Retourne-toi!"), signifying a deeper intimacy after consistently using the formal "vous" throughout their affair, before Marianne leaves.
"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is widely considered a critically acclaimed film, with a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 95 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim." Many critics have praised it as a moving and powerful romance, and it was ranked 30th in the 2022 Sight and Sound Great Films of All Time poll.