PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (15)

WHO’S IN IT?

Noémie Merlant (Heaven Will Wait), Adèle Haenel (Suzanne), Luàna Bajrami (School’s Out), Valeria Golino (Rain Man), Christel Baras (Water Lilies), Armande Boulanger (The Scapegoat), Guy Delamarche (Shut Up!), Clément Bouyssou (film debut)

WHO’S BEHIND THE CAMERA?

Céline Sciamma (Girlhood), director, writer; Bénédicte Couvreur (Tomboy), producer; Jean-Baptiste de Laubier (Water Lilies) and Arthur Simonini (Hibou), composers; Claire Mathon (Stranger By The Lake), cinematographer; Julien Lacheray (Grand Central), editor

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

In late 18th century France, young painter Marianne (Merlant) is commissioned by a wealthy countess (Golino) to paint the wedding portrait of her sheltered but headstrong daughter Héloïse (Haenel), in the hopes that it will help her find a husband. Since Héloïse refuses to have her portrait done, Marianne must act as her closely-observing companion by day and then paint the portrait by night, which leads to the two unlikely souls to become closer than either would ever think…

IN ONE SENTENCE, WHY SHOULD YOU BE EXCITED?

Considered one of the season’s most exquisite break-out critical hits, Céline Sciamma’s historical romance combines gorgeous art with an impeccable story of forbidden love.

WHEN’S IT OUT?

FRIDAY 28TH FEBRUARY 2020

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