Portrait of a Lady on Fire

2020 • 121 minutes

À propos de ce film

France, 1760. Marianne is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Because she is a reluctant bride-to-be, Marianne arrives under the guise of companionship, observing Héloïse by day and secretly painting her by firelight at night. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow as they share Héloïse's first moments of freedom. Héloïse's portrait soon becomes a collaborative act of and testament to their love.

Notes et avis

I saw the film at a local theater in early March (before the shutdowns came into effect) after one of my friends told me about it. While recognizing that it made onto a lot of critics' list for best films of 2019, I came into the film without knowing what to expect. I was amazed by the sharp directing, the simple yet beautiful love story, the gorgeous cinematography, and the gratifying performances all around. The film does an amazing job with handling the subjects of isolation, memories, and the gaze. After seeing the film a couple more times (via Hulu), I can safely say that it's one of the best films I have seen in quite some time. It's worth checking out if you're into romantic dramas.

A truly beautiful telling of love and how we get there. How we understand each other and grow with another person is expressed so deeply and powerfully. The way that the film is crafted allows the viewer to grow and bond with Marianne and Héloïse just as they grow and bond with each other. If you are looking for a timeless film that will make you appreciate and feel how it is to fall in love, this is the film for you.

I found this to be superb in it's depiction of friendship and love. As a painter it was especially meaningful and poignant. it was inspiring and captivating. Better by far than any of the hollywood trash that is being put out currently. Very stirring and pulls at your emotions. Bravo!