Portrait of a Lady on Fire

A passionate love story unfolds against the backdrop of an impending marriage, where art becomes a medium of connection.

Critics broadly regard it as a richly acted, visually exquisite, intellectually rigorous period romance that explores desire, artistic creation, and the power of looking.

• Marianne observes Héloïse to paint her, while Héloïse gradually becomes an active observer of Marianne and her artistic process.
• The film repeatedly frames Marianne and Héloïse in tableaux echoing portraiture, candlelit interiors, coastlines, and the motif of fire.
• Héloïse faces an arranged marriage, while the women’s intimacy unfolds during her final period of freedom.
• Marianne, Héloïse, and Sophie share knowledge and support while navigating painting, desire, pregnancy, and social power.

• Carolshared slow-burn forbidden romance, historical setting, feminist perspective, and emotionally restrained visual storytelling
• The Handmaidenshared women-centered historical romance, social constraint, painterly cinematography, and longing shaped by separation
• Ammoniteshared intimate lesbian romance, period atmosphere, artistic authorship, and bittersweet emotional intensity
• Bright Starshared contemplative romantic drama, female friendship, and tension between desire and social convention

Director

Céline Sciamma

Release Date

2019-09-06

Runtime

121 min

Rating

8.1 / 10 (3086)

What is Portrait of a Lady on Fire about?

A painter and a reluctant bride discover a fleeting, fiercely reciprocal love while creating a portrait that will outlast their freedom.

What is Portrait of a Lady on Fire like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Portrait of a Lady on Fire as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.

Is Portrait of a Lady on Fire violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Portrait of a Lady on Fire.

What did critics think of Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

Critics broadly regard it as a richly acted, visually exquisite, intellectually rigorous period romance that explores desire, artistic creation, and the power of looking.

Which films are like Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

Films with a similar feel include Carol, The Handmaiden, Ammonite, and Bright Star.

How long is Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

Portrait of a Lady on Fire runs 121 minutes.

Where can I watch Portrait of a Lady on Fire?

In United States, Portrait of a Lady on Fire streams on Kanopy, HBO Max.