"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is a 2019 French romantic drama film written and directed by Céline Sciamma. The film is set in 18th-century France and revolves around the relationship between an artist and her subject.
The story follows Marianne (played by Noémie Merlant), a painter commissioned to create a portrait of Héloïse (played by Adèle Haenel), a young woman who has just left the convent and is to be married off. Marianne, however, must paint Héloïse without her knowing, so she observes her during the day and paints from memory at night. As the two spend time together, their relationship evolves into a complex and emotional connection.
"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" received widespread critical acclaim for its beautiful cinematography, nuanced performances, and its exploration of themes such as love, art, and societal expectations. The film is celebrated for its portrayal of a lesbian love story and its feminist perspective.
The film won the Queer Palm and the Best Screenplay award at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival, and it was selected as the French entry for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards. "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is often praised for its emotional depth, atmospheric storytelling, and its contribution to LGBTQ cinema.
If you appreciate artful and emotionally resonant films with a focus on character relationships, "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" is highly recommended.