Portrait of a Lady on Fire

2020 • 121 minutes
4.6
58 reviews
97%
Tomatometer
R
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

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.
Rating
R

Ratings and reviews

4.6
58 reviews
Natenbox64
April 24, 2020
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.
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Evanthe Lindenau
May 11, 2020
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!
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Valery
April 19, 2020
This movie was done amazingly in every aspect of the film (directing, acting, writing, cinematography, sound design, production design etc.) They portrayed the queer story line accurately which is rare, and to the people calling this a 'lesbo film', yes it is, but it is simply a love story. Regardless of gender. There is nudity in this movie, but they were able to make it feel like it's not sexualized. Absolutely loved it.
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