Portrait of a Lady on Fire

France, 1770. Marianne, a beautiful young painter, is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of the aristocratic Héloïse. However, the bride, who does not want to get married, refuses to partake in the wedding preparations, particularly sitting for her portrait. Marianne pretends to be Héloïse’s companion, there to keep her entertained, while secretly painting the girl in private. Portrait of a Woman on Fire is esteemed French director Céline Sciamma’s (Water Lilies) new film, which premiered at Cannes where it won the Best Screenplay prize and enchanted audiences and critics with its breathtaking direction, fascinating and passionate story, masterful cinematography, and extraordinary performances by two young stars—Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel.