Movie Review: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

As I was lying in bed late last night with a candle lit and raindrops gently tapping up against my window, I knew I was in for a treat during the opening minutes of Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This French film tells the story of an artist hired to paint a portrait of a woman about to be married, and through its beautiful simplicity, tells a story of love, loss, and having an unspoken, lifelong connection with someone who is no longer there on a daily basis. This film is spectacular.

Telling stories that are confined to few characters in limited locations requires smart dialogue, crafty cinematography, and compelling themes throughout. After watching The Lighthouse, I found it interesting that it was one of the only stories I had seen told so well in such a manner. That changed after watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire. This film takes its time in advancing its plot, is intentional in every way, and invites you to bear witness to the rise and fall of a beautiful and inherently doomed relationship.

Every single frame taken from this film looks like an 18th century work of art. The cinematography and shot-selection is absolutely stunning, and propels the beauty of the relationship being depicted here. Everything advances slowly but logically and harmonically, crescendoing in a heart-wrenching, satisfying, and fulfilling concluding scene which should be remembered as iconic. All of these aspects are backed up by award-deserving performances and direction from Noémie Merlant, Adéle Haenel, and Céline Sciamma, respectively, who gorgeously portray a story about the importance of seeing and being seen through a female perspective.

The past few weeks have been incredible for me film-wise. I’ve seen 1917, Parasite, and Portrait of a Lady on Fire, which are some of the best films I’ve seen in the past few years. I highly recommend seeing this movie if possible, as it a viewing pleasure and an emotional firestorm. Another masterpiece.

Score: 10/10