Portrait Of A Lady On Fire Movie Review (2019)

While Shakespeare would have us believing in star crossed lovers, I’ve never been so sure. Portrait Of A Lady On Fire is making the same argument, so now there is another fighter in the ring.

There are a lot of historical fiction films centered around proper love stories, with lots of bowing, head nods, and longing glances. Jane Austen works come to mind – girl lives in the countryside, boy lives in town or is part of society. There is a meet-cute and their love story is born. But rarely do you see this story taking place between two women.

Portrait Of A Lady On Fire is about a French portrait painter, Marianne, who has been commissioned to paint the portrait of unwilling participant, Héloïse, who is set to be married to a nobleman in Milan. Having scared away past painters, Héloïse is not to be told why Marianne is at the semi-secluded residence on the sea, and only to be introduced to her as a companion with whom she can go outside. While studying Héloïse so that Marianne can paint her portrait in secret, a chemistry develops between the two women.

This film does a good job of showing what it means to be free and to be burdened in various capacities. Marianne, who does not have to marry, as she has her career and can take over the business of her painter father, is free to do what she pleases, but with possible financial difficulties. Héloïse, whose family appears to have some money and will be marrying into more, would have preferred to stay at a monastery, as she sees the freedom to listen to music and own her moments enough for a full life.

Visually, the film is magnificent, with some excellent cinematography choices (particularly involving fire and water) and welcome moments where only parts of Héloïse’s face or body are shown while others are subtly hidden. You become a bit of a painter yourself – or at least appreciate Marianne’s job further – as you study Héloïse’s eyes, ears, or hand positioning.

This entire story takes place over less than two weeks, with the first week seeing the two women often at odds. You can feel that there is a tension building between them, but much like Romeo and Juliet, maybe I am just too jaded to see this as having potential for the long-lasting love they are trying to convey. Crushes happen and, after a few months, you might be annoyed that she didn’t pull your corset strings tight enough. But I digress.

The one majorly standout moment for me was at the very end of the film. There is one prolonged shot, full of music, emotions, and memories that is outstanding. I won’t say more and ruin it for you, but look for it.

Overall, Portrait Of A Lady On Fire is interesting, intriguing, and will keep your attention throughout. And while it didn’t reach me emotionally, I enjoyed the love story as well. I’m just more cynical than many.

Runtime: 121 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: R

Languages Spoken In The Film: French and Italian with English subtitles

Should You Watch It? Yes

Did I Cry? No, but the end turned on my emotions a bit

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Available: To rent on Prime Video or may be available for free on other streaming platforms