Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a French period drama film directed by Céline Sciamma and released in 2019. The film is set in the late 18th century and tells the story of Marianne, a young painter who is commissioned to create a wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left a convent and is due to be married to a wealthy Milanese nobleman.
Marianne arrives at the remote island in Brittany where Héloïse lives with her mother and a maid. However, Héloïse refuses to sit for the portrait as she does not want to be married off to a stranger. So, Marianne poses as a companion and begins observing Héloïse in secret, memorizing her features and expressions so that she can paint her portrait later.
As Marianne and Héloïse spend more time together, they develop a deep and romantic connection, despite the social constraints that prevent them from openly expressing their love. Together, they explore the rugged landscape, share stories and intimate moments, and forge a bond that complicates the commission and the impending marriage.
Throughout the film, there are themes of female empowerment, consent, and the power of representation through art. The film features stunning cinematography and a beautiful score by composer Jean-Baptiste de Laubier.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019, where it won the Queer Palm and the Best Screenplay award. It has since received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including a nomination for Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.